I found my way to where the surveyors were billeted, deposited my pack on a cot, and hurried over to the Documents Tent. To my relief, the Senior Cartographer was nowhere in sight, and I was able to slip in unseen. I took out my sketch pad and started to draw my map.
"Hey, what was the coach like?" Alexei asks me.
"What?"
"You know, the Darkling's coach, what was it like. Give me all the details."
"Well, I can't give you any more info on it since it was trying to not get crushed by his coach."
"Oh, well I heard that the Darkling is pure evil, and he created the fold."
"He's not, also that was the Black Heretic, not the Darkling."
"Though, don't you think it's weird that he has the same powers as the Heretic?"
"Maybe, but I need to get done with this map and start another drawing."
"Here, take this mountain drawing. It's one of my worse ones, the Senior Cartographer won't be able to tell the difference."
"Thanks." Alexei has always been one of the most skilled cartographers. He's always downplaying his work.
"Time to turn in your first drawing," the Senior Cartographer announces and I hand in the mountain drawing.
•••
Later, in the barracks, as I get ready for bed, everyone else asleep in our section, I hear a little cling come from the window. I almost forgot I was going to meet up with Mal and his friends. I put on my coat and head out.
"Hey! If it's that tracker boy, come here I'll give you something!" I hear someone shout from down the hall.
"I'll be sure to tell him to go to you if he wants an STD!"
As I walk out I see Mal and his friends on the steps of the barracks.
"Hey, Alina," Mal says. "You ready for the crossing tomorrow?"
"I guess," I say with a shrug.
"Well then, we're off to the Grisha Pavilion. See you tomorrow!"
Yeah, see you tomorrow.