Zofi had taught the agricultural guild how to blow glass to contain the sensitive liquid, since it preserved the potions most effectively. She also carried instructions on brewing the cure, which she’d distribute to every town she passed on her route. It was a complicated recipe, but there would be some eager young alchemists here and there, she knew, who could take a shot at producing more of the stuff.

“With all this, I’d better be careful,” Zofi said. “I’m liable to get robbed the minute I ride out of the city gate.”

Akeylah groaned. “I wish you’d let me send a Talon with you. You won’t accept any escort? Even just one?” Her grin widened a little too much for Zofi’s liking.

“For the last time, I’m doing this alone. Unless you want to command me otherwise, sister.” Zofi arched a brow, challenging.

Akeylah backed down, though not without a disapproving harrumph. “It’s your choice, Ambassador.”

That title would take some getting used to. Zofi reached up to tie her personal rucksack onto the saddlebag. The only things in it were the new boosts she’d crafted a few days ago. Just in case.

“I travel faster alone,” Zofi replied without turning around.

After a beat, Akeylah sighed. “As you prefer. Thank you again, Zofi. The Reaches owe your people a great debt for all this.”

“That’s a debt I plan to cash in, next time an issue arises in the regional council meetings that affects my people.”

“In that case, I can’t wait until your return.” Akeylah beamed. “I do love watching Ambassador Ghoush turn purple.…”

“I’ll do my best,” Zofi promised, laughing.

But half an hour later, as she rode across the north gate out of Kolonya City, she wondered if Akeylah might have had a point about Zofi needing an escort. Because behind her came the sound of hooves, the huff of a horse at full gallop. Adrenaline spiked in her veins. She grasped her longknife, drew it, and whipped around just in time to watch Vidal careen across the bridge over the River Leath.

She circled her horse around and watched him ride.

He did look handsome in the early morning sunlight, dressed in a simple cotton shirt, halfway open, and plain trousers. No uniform. His hair was a messy tangle, as though he’d just flung himself out of bed. Only the clawed hilt of the sword at his side gave him away.

“This is familiar,” Vidal panted when he reached her. “Me chasing you down.”

She grinned, remembering the first time he’d stopped her leaving Kolonya City. “At least I didn’t steal the horse this time.”

“Zofi, please, let me come with you.”

“Like that?” She glanced at his empty saddle. All he’d brought was a sword.

“If I need to, yes.”