Page 133 of Riv's Sanctuary

“Yes,” Riv said, “I know. I have seen the Tasqal’s generosity firsthand.”

There was a pause and Lauren held her breath.

Then one of the guards laughed. “Phekking idiot. Let’s go check the other farm. I do not wish to be caught in these barren lands when the day ends.”

With that, she could hear footsteps and shuffling as the guards left.

Still holding her breath, she remained plastered against the wall till the room grew quiet once more.

Even then, she was afraid to move.

It wasn’t till, minutes later when Riv walked into the corridor, that her shoulders finally sagged with relief.

Riv’s eyes fell on her, a stone coldness there.

“Were those who I think they were?”

“Hedgerud fighters working for the Tasqals, yes.”

“What were they doing here? How did they find me?”

“I don’t know, but you aren’t safe here anymore. Not unless you get registered.”

Lauren swallowed hard as Riv turned and headed back to the main room. She followed him there and found him punching in a code into his comm unit.

The other line picked up immediately.

“Riv?”

She didn’t recognize the masculine voice on the other line.

“Ka’Cit. No time to explain. Hedgerud fighters are on their way to your farm. I need you to stall them for me.”

There was a pause, then a curse on the other side of the line.

“What are they doing so far out? Nobody comes out here.”

Riv’s eyes met hers.

“They’re looking for someone.”

“Who tha’ phek would they be looking for so far out?”

Riv’s eyes never left hers.

“I’m looking at her right now.”

Riv took the next few moments explaining to his friend, she supposed, of her existence and why he needed to stall the guards.

No doubt they would return to search his Sanctuary again once they realized she wasn’t at Ka’Cit’s.

Ka’Cit agreed and they ended the call.

Lauren stopped pacing and looked at him.

“They searched the Sanctuary?”

Riv nodded.