Chapter 379: Six Days Behind
Day 26 began the way Kai had expected it to — everyone listening for hoofbeats before anyone admitted they were listening.
His pool sat at ninety-four percent, close to the overnight ceiling. He noted it and went to check the eastern trail out of habit, though he knew a rider six days out could arrive at any hour, not just morning.
The camp had a different quality to it that morning. Nobody said the word "letter" out loud, but nobody needed to. Even the six rings out past the tents seemed to hold their quiet a little more carefully, as if they too were waiting on something.
Soren found him there before midday, notebook tucked under one arm instead of open.
"Nothing yet," Soren said, before Kai could ask.
"I know. I'd have heard you if there was."
"You'd have heard camp. I'd have heard my own name shouted first, since I'm the one who keeps track of the count." Soren allowed himself a small, dry smile. "Small comforts."
