Forest of Ruin (Age of Legends 3)

Gavril exhaled and stretched his legs. "It is."

"Because not only does it mean I can't spy on him, but when he discovers we've been taken, it gives him more fodder for his cause--his only son and an imperial Keeper thrown into the dungeons."

"Yes."

"How will this affect his next move?"

Gavril looked over and frowned.

"You said he is planning a major move. I'm presuming now you can tell me what it is."

"I would, if I knew. My father realized . . . he did not have my full devotion. I was simply too poor an actor, as I'm certain you saw. I could not feign the degree of filial loyalty he expected. I led him to believe it was simply because we'd been too long apart--he was a stranger to me--but he took care not to tell me anything of a sensitive nature. I know only that he was mobilizing troops and that he had some grand move in mind."

"Martial or sorcery?"

"I . . . I would like to say that, given the mobilization of troops, it was the former." He looked at her. "But I fear it was not."

EIGHT

At midday, the wagon stopped, and they were escorted out to a spot where Moria was expected to relieve herself.

"It's been nearly a day since I drank water," she said. "I have none to spare."

The bandit leader grunted and handed Moria a small bag, which she opened to find dried meat and fruit. She gave it back.

"I'm not hungry."

"Your rumbling stomach says otherwise." The leader took out a piece of meat and bit off a chunk. "There? It's not poisoned."

"I would prefer water."

He motioned to Moria's guard, who took out his own waterskin and passed it over.

She took a gulp of the water. The leader passed her the bag of food again. She accepted a piece of meat and chewed on it.

"Have you ever heard the story of King Hokkai?" the leader asked. Moria stopped chewing, and he laughed. "Ah, you have. Good King Hokkai, who invited all his enemies to a banquet. Then, in a show of good faith, he sampled from every plate before they dined. His enemies dug in, and one by one, fell foaming and convulsing to their deaths, the king having built up an immunity to the poison over the moons proceeding the meal."

His gaze moved to Gavril, judging his reaction. When Gavril gave none, the leader laughed and said, "Eat, girl. I jest."

Moria still hesitated, much to the leader's amusement.

"It's one set of rations between you," the bandit said. "Give the boy some."

"Do I have to?" she asked.

The man smiled. "No, you do not. It's entirely your choice."

Moria took another long draught of the water. "Then no. He gave me nothing after he captured me. He needs nothing now."

"Perhaps a sip of water?" the leader said. "The day grows hot, and if he's to survive the journey . . ."

"Is that necessary?"

The bandit chuckled and elbowed Gavril. "Did you hear her?"

"I'm well aware of the Keeper's opinion on my continued existence, and her hope of seeing it end soon, preferably at the point of her dagger."

"Seems you survived the night together just fine."