Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 207
under their own steam, or had been carried.
None of this made any sense, and not knowing the
situation alarmed her more than any certainty would have.
She opened her radio link to Axel. “Axel? Where are
you?”
There was no answer. Now fully alarmed, She stalked
past the discarded blankets by the fireplace, and began stuffing
her few possessions into a bag. She scowled down at the
beautiful gown she wore; it would be very difficult to ride
wearing this confection. Although her instincts told her to run
from the room, she paused long enough to shuck the gown and
pull on her tough traveling clothes. Then she hefted her bags
and turned to go. These few things would have to do.
Where next? “Axel?” Still nothing. He had not
activated his transponder, so she couldn’t locate him that way
either.
Jordan's few things lay on his bed, and she eyed them.
He had not taken anything with him, a sign that he had not
gone willingly.
Axel was supposed to be visiting Turcaret right now.
She could go that way, or follow the blood stains to where
Jordan might be in danger.
Axel could take care of himself, but Jordan was only here
because she had kidnapped and coerced him to be.
Cursing foully, Calandria wrestled her cape into position,
threw her bags over her shoulder, and went to follow the blood
trail.
As she left the room, a voice emerged from the darkness
ahead of her.
"You’re in quite a hurry for an innocent traveler, Lady
May."