Alatricia's breath fogged the cold air as she walked into the shadowy alcove of the bandit camp where Reydal awaited. She could barely make out his face beneath the candlelight, but as he turned his head she recognized his striking red eyes, glistening like rubies in the dim light. He stood with his back against the stone wall, arms folded across his chest.
"Reydal," she spat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Last I saw you, I was in a pit of dirt.."
"Alatricia," he replied, just as quietly. "You're as blunt as ever."
"Let’s cut to the chase. You gave us a free opening out of that trap you sprung. You wanted us to see something. What was it? ?"
Reydal sighed, running a hand through his unruly hair. "I’m sure your scholar friend has already told you, so I’ll keep it quick. The Siiman horde is beginning to move outside Nathari. And I'm helping them."
"By the gods, Reydal!" Alatricia clenched her fists. "How could you?"
"Look, it's not something I wanted to do," Reydal admitted, shifting uncomfortably. "One doesn’t just wake up deciding to side with an ancient evil demonic horde. One of their generals has got the better of me – the one named Socros. I don't have a choice, Alatricia. My life is on the line here."
Alatricia's heart twisted when he heard the desperation in his voice, but she couldn't let herself feel sympathy for him. "Are they planning to attack Enthia?"
"Yes. " Reydal swallowed hard. "Socros is planning a full-on assault in the coming weeks, perhaps even days. They march under the cover of the forests and the dark. You need to go there and warn them, Alatricia."
"Is this your idea of making peace with me?" She sneered. "Sending me into the heart of danger?"
"Please," he pleaded, his eyes imploring her. "I don't know if I'll survive this, and I need someone to let them know what’s coming. Someone more trustworthy than a wanted bandit."
Alatricia's anger softened at the sight of Reydal's genuine fear, but she knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down. She shook her head. "I can't believe it's come to this."
As Alatricia began to walk out the hideout, Reydal stopped her.. "Before you go... would you give me one last kiss for good luck?" he said in his playful manner, albeit with some uncharacteristic stuttering.
Alatricia looked at him. For a moment, she considered it. But at last her eyes flashed with defiance and she continued walking away. "No. You made your choice, Reydal."
Without another word, Alatricia stormed off. As for Reydal, he could only watch her retreating figure, the weight of his betrayal heavy on his shoulders. He stood, alone in the darkness, hearing the thunderous sounds of approaching rain ahead.