Forest of Ruin (Age of Legends 3)

"Then why have they allowed us to get so close? There's nothing out here. Nothing. There ought to be a scout perched on that ridge. Does your father have no decent archers?"

"He does." Gavril turned in a full circle, shading his eyes.

"Come along, boy!" Toman shouted. "I wish to leave before sundown."

"It's a trap," Moria murmured.

"By the bandits?" Gavril said. "Or someone waiting within?"

"Does it matter? Either way is equally dangerous to us."

"Come on, boy!" Toman said. "Bring out your mother!"

Gavril looked at Moria. Then he called back, "You do it."

"If you insist . . . and you don't mind me bringing out her head."

Gavril shot forward. He stopped himself but rocked there, glancing between Moria and the house.

"Why do you look to the girl, boy?" Toman called. "Does your enemy give you counsel now?"

"No," Moria called back. "He fears turning his back on me, lest I have only been cordial to him in preparation for attack. Come on then, Kitsune. Let's get this over with." They started for the house. When they drew up alongside it, she turned to Toman. "You stand out here because you fear walking into a trap. Do you trust that Lady Kitsune's guards will not mistakenly cut down Gavril and spoil your chance for his bounty?"

"True. You'd best go with him, then, to be sure they do not."

Moria snorted. "I hardly care--"

"Start caring." Toman strode forward and slapped her dagger into her hand. "He is the one Emperor Tatsu truly wants. If he dies in an ambush, I'll not take you back to the city alive, for fear you'll tell the emperor what happened and he'll have my head for it."

"Arm him as well," Moria said.

"Listen to you, little girl. Talking as if you're a warlord--"

"I am the Keeper. I outrank every warlord in this land. If you wish the traitor to survive this trap, provide him with a weapon."

Toman motioned for someone to bring Gavril a sword.

"I'll take a sword, too," Moria said. "I have been training and--"

"Do not push your luck."

"Luck is meant to be pushed."

"And you are lucky that I admire your mettle, little girl, or I'd not appreciate your tongue." His grin turned wolfish as he stepped toward her. "Perhaps I can come to appreciate it more on the remainder of this journey."

"I'm sure you will, though not in the way you hope."

He only laughed. "We'll see." He winked. "There's a reason I have three very happy wives. Now take your dagger and bring me a true traitor's whore."

SIXTEEN

"I think I prefer you unsettled," Gavril muttered as they moved toward the door. "You are less a danger to yourself and others. Don't provoke the man, Keeper."

"I was getting you a blade, Kitsune."

"And I'm asking you to be careful. Now, if we may . . ."

He motioned at the closed door. His face was calmer, the strain and worry temporarily vanished. For Gavril, that brief argument had been steady ground, settling him as much as the dagger in her hand settled Moria.