Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 3)

It startled him that she’d said it. And it startled him even more that it sent a pang of pain through him.

“No,” he agreed. “I’ve been alone since the moment of my birth, and expect I’ll always stay that way.”

Ada moved very slowly to pick up her clothes, then sat down in one of the armchairs by the fire. "You might not," she suggested. "You have no idea what the future holds. Most of us don't."

Ah, but he did. He knew he wasn’t going to get weighed down by a family. Wasn’t going to let anyone have that kind of power over him. Wasn’t going to fuck up anyone else’s life by being a shitty husband and father.

“And do you? See the future, that is.”

(The sheer irony of this because he does get married off in cannon 😂)

(Ayyy good lad!)

"Only when I dream. It comes in bits and pieces." Ada drew her legs up to her chest, settling onto the armchair. "The apothecary will be here soon. You should go."

Pratik nodded and stood, making sure to take the path that would keep him furthest from her. To stay as non threatening as possible.

“I appreciate that you spoke to me,” he said gently. And, he hoped, it might have been somewhat of a distraction to her as well. “If there’s ever any way I can help — any way at all — know I’m at your service.”

"There isn't," Ada said flatly. "Unless you somehow have passage out of this Keep, which you don't."

“Not yet.” He put his hand on the doorknob. “But I’ll bring you with me, if I find one.”

That would have to be decided. It depended whether he found a way to creep out — or if he went out in a blaze of glory after he shanked Utrid and Tarr. He wouldn’t drag her along with him if he was actively getting shot at — but if he possibly could, he’d rescue her as well. Maybe he could convince Lyra to free her, if she ascended to power?

"Good luck," Ada said to him. "You're not the worst man I've met." She turned her head to rest against the chair's soft backrest and closed her eyes.

He should certainly hope not, given the fact she’d just been brutalized by Tarr.

But he’d take the backhanded compliment. Regardless of what she said, he felt like he’d made progress with her.

So he inclined his head then slipped into the hall, striding forward immediately so it’d look natural enough if anyone happened to be rounding the corner just then. And pray to his lucky stars that no one else was in the hall.

Roland was lurking around the area, and he was rounding the corner as Pratik came out. He nodded to Pratik, eyeing him expectantly.

Well, that was convenient.

Pratik nodded to one of the nearby bedrooms he knew would be empty and silently strode in first himself.

(Aw you caught me)

Roland followed, shutting the door behind him. "What is it?" he asked. "Have you found something of note?"

(Aha)

“Tarr’s declaring war on Loquitur. He’s not asking Harold and he’s turned on Utrid,” Pratik said quickly. “Utrid thinks Ash will back his brother and that if he does, Tarr’s military is too weak to fend off an attack by the two of them. He expects this house to fall, if Ash wills it.”

"Is this because of Lyra? Has Utrid made a move?"

“Yes. Loquitur annulled the marriage,” Pratik answered. “And Utrid’s lost his head. He’s convinced when Ash finds the assassin — do you know if he has yet? — he’ll take it as a personal affront and turn his attention on Tarr. The man’s in a frenzy.”