Chapter 44. Dominoes Waiting To Fall
The Veyshari camp was alive with color and sound and constant motion, despite the winter chill. Steam rose from the massive bonfire at the center, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold sea breeze coming off the shore.
The massive bonfire roared at its heart, sparks dancing up into the darkening sky and the sea crashed against the shore nearby as its rhythm mixed with the sounds of music and laughter.
Adom watched as a group of children sprinted past through the packed snow, their faces curious and bright as they spotted him and their breaths forming little clouds in the air.
"Chovihano tikno! Chovihano tikno!" they called out, pointing at him. Though he didn't understand their words, their excitement was clear enough. One small boy, wrapped in a thick woolen coat, brandished a wooden sword, demonstrating with enthusiastic swings while chattering rapidly in their musical language.
Adom smiled and waved, glancing at Sam who stayed close to his side, clearly overwhelmed by all the activity. Near the cooking fires that dotted the snowy camp, women in colorful skirts and heavy shawls danced to the music, their curious glances following the newcomers.
"Sammenel!" Maria, Adom's mother, shouted Sam's name through the bustle. She stood up from her workbench near one of the larger tents, setting aside what looked like half-finished potions. Her hair was tied back loosely, herbs and reagents scattered across her workspace, protected from the snow by the tent's awning.
Same old Sam, proper as always.
Those friends who acted so perfectly behaved around parents were usually the masterminds behind the worst idea - but not Sam. He meant every courteous word, every proper gesture.
Had to drag him kicking and screaming into anything remotely questionable. And now here he was, plotting against the Crown Prince himself. Come to think of it, Adom realized with a sudden pang of guilt, he might have been the bad influence all along.