Page 79 of Accidental Fae (Fae War Chronicles 1)
“Then let’s go and find him.”
“No.” I shake my head, and Griffin studies me. “I mean, I really appreciate your help, more than you can know, but you can’t risk it. You have a family to care for, a new baby, and the entire royal guard is likely out hunting me.”
Griffin looks genuinely conflicted—but one look back at Laoise, and he nods. “Fine, but let me get ye’ some supplies.” He moves past me and dumps the rest of the twigs out before cramming fresh bread, two leather pouches full of something, and some of what looks to be jerky into the pack. Then, he crosses the room and opens the chest, withdrawing clothes and soft-soled leather shoes. They go in next.
It all happens within minutes, giving me the impression that this is a family that has never truly known stability.
Something I relate to on so many levels.
He offers it to me. “Ye’ be safe, Ember. Give Rafferty our best. If ye’ find him near here and wish to return—”
“I appreciate it,” I interrupt. “But I won’t be coming back. You’ve already risked enough by helping me. I can’t allow you to risk anything else.”
Laoise smiles tightly at me. “I doona know much about where ye’r from, lass, but here, the roads are treacherous. Trust no one, and always watch yer’ back.”
“I will. Thank you.”
With a grunt, I manage to get the pack on my back and head toward the stairs. Griffin walks right beside me, and the children all offer me tight smiles as I pass. “I don’t suppose you know where I can find the camp, do you?”
“’Fraid not, lass. They move constantly.”
“That’s what Rafferty said.”
“Raffe is a good man. An honorable one. Are ye’ sure ye’ doona want my help?”
Once I reach the top, I turn back toward him. “You helped a strange woman in the woods, Griffin. We met less than thirty minutes ago, and you’ve clothed me, given me food and supplies, and let me hold your baby. You’ve done plenty. Thank you.” I offer him a smile, and he blushes.
“I’ll be seeing you at that camp one of these days,” Griffin offers.
“I look forward to it.”
He reaches around me, slides the lock back, then peers out through a hole in the door. Once he’s satisfied by what he is—or isn’t seeing—he shoves the door open enough for me to slip outside.
My feet no sooner hit the ground than the door is locked, all but disappearing into the bark of the tree. Even in the morning light, I can barely make out the waves that don’t match.
Hoisting the backpack higher on my back, I face out toward the forest bathed in light gold and say a silent prayer for the family behind me…and the man I’m willing to scour this world for.