Page 10 of A World Enough

“Yes. They are decent people. There are some dark lone wolves who can’t be trusted, who side with the Abnobians.”

“Who are they?” Brogan asked.

“The race who sent those people to kill me, and who run and own every inch of this world.”

“Why do they want you?”

Camber walked to the door of the barn and looked outside. The coast was clear.

“Because I am the Map Keeper, and just like you, they want to find the portals, but if you are telling the truth, you just want to find one. The Abnobians want to find them all, and that is terrifying.”

“So you will try to find my way home?” Brogan asked.

“I’ll try. That’s why we’re going to the GallowGlas home world. It will give me time to decide if you are with the Abnobians, and if you’re not, mediate and help find your way home.”

“You still don’t trust me?”

“Don’t take it personally. I can’t afford to trust anyone. Let’s go.”

Camber began rummaging in her bag.

Brogan lifted up her wrists. “Can you take these off now?”

Camber gave a wry laugh. “Not a chance, Wolf. I don’t trust you, I told you.”

Brogan growled in frustration. “Everyone’s going to see these and ask questions.”

Camber brought a shawl like the one she wore out of her satchel and threw it to Brogan. “Put this on, and we can get going, Wolf.” Camber could see the anger on Brogan’s face, and it made her smile.

Brogan’s eyes flashed yellow, and Camber felt a shiver run through her body. She shook it off and covered it with a laugh.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re smug, Map Keeper?” Brogan growled.

“Yes, and much bigger monsters than you, Wolf. Let’s get going if you still want to.”

Brogan pulled the shawl over her body and cuffed hands. Camber was enjoying this a little too much.

“Yes, I want to. Let’s get on with it, so we can be out of each other’s company more quickly.”

Camber closed her satchel and said, “When we step outside, you follow my lead in everything. You don’t talk to people, you don’t interact with anyone.”

“Why?”

Camber took a step towards Brogan. “Because I’m in charge, and you will stick out like a gordal bird.”

“I take it gordal birds are good looking beasts?” Brogan asked.

“It depends on what you’re into.” Camber smiled. She could see this dominant wolf was not used to taking orders or direction.

“So, where are we going?”

“To the docks. It’s not far. We need to find a boat that will take us to the Temple.”

“Is there not a portal thing to take us?” Brogan asked.

“They aren’t everywhere for public transport. They are sacred portals, left to us by the First Ones.”

“The First Ones?”