Even before the door came down, Xylan surprised Roman again. Not just with his lack of concern, but with his familiarity. The Senator put a hand on his arm, and not to shove him around but to reassure Roman it would all be ok. He kept it there even as Zanah made her entrance, telling her what a good job the squire had done.
”Clever?” He repeated, processing it and giving Xylan a dubious look. Did the guy really think Roman’s escape had been clever? “If you say so” he said finally. He actually thought Xylan might be serious, which was the most unsettling thing of all.
Roman turned back to reality, listening to Zanah’s plan. As much as he wanted to track down and punish Primus, he knew getting back to the ship was the right plan. They were too few and too outnumbered.
—————
The back streets of Telos were, well, not exactly the best. Roman kept close to Xylan, not daring to challenge Zanah for the lead or the rear. The Morellian had proven she had the skills to place herself wherever she wanted.
Roman had been overjoyed to find his saber and armor on a rack outside the room, but while he had his saber back at his hilt he’d had to leave the armor behind. It would slow him down and make his stand out a mile off, no use when they were trying to stay under the radar. It was a huge wrench, but he would earn another set.
”If we just keep our heads down, these alleys should take us most do the way to the spaceport” he said quietly over the Senator’s shoulder. He glanced back over his own, worried Primus’ goons would find them even though they were doing their best to stay hidden. “We shouldn’t have to run like this” he fumed, now they were in the open air “you shouldn’t. You’re an Imperial Senator. Tell me we will make him pay later?”.
They hurried by street stalls and closely packed shop frontages, trying not to so much as make eye contact with a seller.
@LouJoVi