Her entry into the tavern was too late for Mikey to sit nearby. The place was bursting, every seat taken, mostly with visitors from the fair. The room was abuzz. She pushed through the crowd but Mikey stayed at the back, standing with many others. There was no sign of Kolyani. Irenya eyed some of the locals and toyed with the idea of asking one to give up his seat for Mikey, but she felt stupid, behaving like a spooked horse. At least I can see him. Just as long as I can keep my eyes on him. She sat in her corner and watched him over the expanse of faces, fear contracting her stomach into a cold knot. Breathe, she told herself, or you’ll have trouble singing.
Her voice sounded tight to her ears, as though her throat was a size smaller. The crowd didn’t appear to notice. They listened or s
