Orvell sucks in a long breath. “I may not agree with all of your decisions, but we do not have the luxury of debate with the Veriskans roaming the forest.”
“It is good that you do not let your temper get in the way of your good sense.”
“And how will we protect the women against the Veriskans?” Eddard interrupts. “How do we know if they already know about them?”
“Excuse me?” Elena scoffs. “Do you not see us here? Or are we not worthy of consideration? Who are these Veriskans? I’ve heard you speak of them before, but never in a way that suggested they were a threat.”
Ignoring Elena, Grixis says, “I will send scouts to the perimeter, then further, to the outskirts of their lands. Haelden and Brock are two that would do well away from the village for a time.”
“Who are these people?” Nori asks.
“They are dangerous,” Grixis says. “And if they knew you were here, they would raze the forest to find you, and once they did, there is no telling what they would do.”
“We’ve faced down scary blue men before,” Meg snickers.
I have to hand it to that one—she is bold.
“Leave this matter to us,” Grixis grumbles.
“If you won’t answer our questions, I think it would be good to end this meeting,” Elena says. “We’ll keep your secrets, though not happily.”
And again, I am surprised, for while Elena may not be strong, she does not lack in courage.
Grixis nods. “Of course.”
The women leave, and the men get up to follow them, but before I go, Grixis pulls me aside.
“Thank you for your support. I understand?—”
“I care not for your thanks, as I have a more pressing issue on my mind.”
He nods. “You are upset that Asha still lingers in your home.”
“Lingers? She acts as though it were her own!”
He claps a hand down on my shoulder. “You are frustrated, as you should be, but unless you are properly courting someone, there is nothing I can do.”
“Properly courting someone?”
“If a man is in courtship, it would be wrong of them to room with another.”
“I am in no courtship.”
“Then I am sorry, but you will have to endure Asha’s presence a while longer, for her weaves are most important, and without good reason, she will not be moved.”
5
ASHA
“Did you see her during survival training?” Arwin sneaks another glance at Amber and giggles. “She actually looked like she was getting into it when typically she won’t lift a finger.”
“It seems the greater woods have changed her.”
“Hopefully, for the better. I can’t believe they have her tanning the hides.”
“Just so long as she isn’t bossing me around,” I mumble under my breath.
“I was sure she was going to come back coupled with Ramsey, but I heard he was cursing about her. Did he say anything to you?”
