They weren't hunting Alvar or Gavril then. Was it Moria herself? It didn't matter. They still needed to be dealt with.
"I wish to surrender," Gavril said.
The older man chuckled. "I don't blame you."
"I do not appreciate being mocked," Gavril said. "Whatever my father has done, it does not change the fact that I am a Kitsune and a warrior, and I expect to be treated as such. You will escort me back to the imperial city, where I will explain everything to the emperor. I will not be taken in chains or bound in any way. I am still--"
"Yes, yes, come along, boy. We'll treat you properly. Eat with us and then we'll head out. It's a four-day hard ride to the imperial city. I don't suppose you're hiding a horse out there."
"I am not, but I'm certain you'll lend me one until we can acquire another."
"Of course, my lord."
The moment Gavril got within striking distance, the older man drew. The younger hesitated, perhaps honestly thinking his master intended to accept Gavril's demands. By the time the older man had his sword out, Gavril's was slashing. The younger man drew his--but a dagger in his shoulder sent him staggering, his blade falling into the fire, sparks exploding.
Gavril and the older bounty hunter fought, their swords clanging. Moria had her other dagger raised, one eye on them and the other on the younger man, who was now trying to rescue his scorching-hot blade from the fire. When the young hunter drew his short sword instead, Moria launched her second dagger. The young man let out a cry, falling to his knees as he fumbled to pull the dagger from his back.
Gavril did not have Tyrus's skill, but he'd been the prince's sparring partner for a reason--he was a fine swordsman for his youth. The bounty hunter seemed a middling one for his age. So they were matched, which meant Moria had every intention of helping, should Gavril falter. This was not a bout for honor. But when the younger hunter fell, it startled his master enough for Gavril to get the upper hand. A perfect parry knocked the man's sword aside. A sword tip against the man's throat stopped him from going for it.
"Come out, Keeper," Gavril called. "You ought to watch the young one."
"Which is why I'm right here, Kitsune," she said, walking up behind him with her short sword drawn.
"It's true, then." The older man snorted. "I told you, boy. The Keeper is indeed this traitor's whore."
"Yes, yes," Moria said. "It's an old story and a dull one. Also untrue, but I'll save my breath and swallow the insult."
The younger man lifted his second blade, but unsteadily, one dagger still in his shoulder, the other on the ground, the end bloodied.
"If you ever intend to properly use your sword arm, you'll put that blade down and let me tend to your wounds," Moria said. "Although, I hear it doesn't take long to learn to fight as well with your left. Only a decade or so of practice."
The young man's gaze shot to his master.
"Don't you dare, boy," the older man growled. "There's a sword in your hand, and that is an imperial traitor. You have a duty here."
"But is it a duty worth losing your livelihood for?" Moria said. "Particularly if your injuries mean I'll be able to pluck that blade from your hand before you can swing it? Also, if I am not your prey, then you have no true duty to apprehend me."
"Don't listen to her, boy."
In the end, the young man did lunge, but it was halfhearted, and she dodged easily, grabbing her dagger from the ground and turning on him, the two facing off.
"We lay down our blades together," Moria said. "Then I will tend to your wounds."
"We have no intention of killing you," Gavril said. "We simply cannot afford to have two imperial bounty hunters out here with us. We will tend to your wounds, and then take your weapons and your supplies."
"Oh, in other words, let us die slowly instead of quick."
"We passed a settlement within a half-day's walk," Moria said. "Taking your supplies only gives you cause to head for them rather than pursue us. Now, boy, show us you're brighter than your master."
He pulled the second dagger out of his shoulder, wincing and tossing it aside. The man began cursing his apprentice with dire threats should he dare lay down his--
Moria and the young bounty hunter laid down their weapons. The older man dove for his sword, but Gavril saw that coming and kicked it aside.
"I do not wish to--" Gavril began.
The bounty hunter dove again--this time at the sword in the fire. He howled as his fingers touched the white-hot metal handle, but he kept his grip, leaping up and swinging the sword. Gavril countered it with his own blade.
"Do not make me--" Gavril began again.