“Other than myself and Zane over at Foster City, almost all of the other battle lords rely exclusively on their lances and swords.”
“Because their archers suck,” Mattox added with a smile. “Mom’s the reason our archers are as good as they are.”
“And because a large majority of them are Mutah,” Yulen reminded him.
He saw his father’s face melt into that look he recognized, and he nodded. “Yep. That’s what I’m thinking, too. There’s a Mutah out there someone’s either recruited, or paid off handsomely. A Mutah who’s able to pass off as Normal.”
“A Mutah skilled with a bow,” Yulen stated as fact.
“Dad?”
They turned to see Mistelle hurrying toward them. “Mom needs to see all of us at the lodge as soon as possible.”
Without questioning why, the three of them quickly left the square.
14
Advice
Atty and Lucien were waiting for them when they arrived. “Keelor’s already left, but she had to come tell us what she’s discovered so far,” Atty explained.
“Sofar?” Mattox repeated.
“She was at the shop when a couple of soldiers came in. She informed Utah, who was in the back, that they had customers, then returned to the front room and told the men he’d be with them shortly. Then she went back to her corner to polish knives.” Atty grinned. “They asked her if the swordsmith also carried arrows. She told them to check some of the Mutah shops, that they only carried bladed weapons, then pretended to be absorbed in her work. The guys got to talking while they waited.”
“What did she overhear?” Yulen questioned.
“They commented on some of the stuff in the display cases, until one of them asked why his friend was interested in arrows. That’s when the man said he was interested in taking lessons.” Her smile widened. “He said there was this one guy in their squad who had mad archery skills, and he wanted to take advantage of the man being around while he could.”
“While he could?” Mattox looked to his father. “Sounds like the guy’s temporary help.”
“Did she recognize the soldiers’ uniforms? Colors? Symbols? What compound they’re from?” Yulen pressed.
“No. Not yet. She hopes to be able to go into the campsites later and find out where there are others wearing the same uniforms.”
“Wouldn’t Utah recognize what compound the soldiers came from? I mean, maybe they told him where they were from,” Mistelle suggested.
“No,” Atty replied. “Kee said they looked over what they had for sale, but didn’t buy anything. However, they promised they’d be back. They didn’t stay long enough to meet Utah. As soon as they left, she came to let me know.” She eyed her husband, then Mattox. “What is it you need to tell me?”
“Matt and I believe the archer who tried to kill Edge’s daughter is either a highly-skilled Normal—”
“Or a Mutah who can pass as a Normal,” Atty finished. Mattox wasn’t surprised she’d already come to that conclusion. His mother had a sense for that sort of thing.
“Could he be from one of the Mutah compounds?” Lucien wondered aloud.
Mattox took a mental step back. He hadn’t considered that into the equation. He turned to his father. “What if the guy comes from one of them? What if he was approached by the Normals and offered heaven knows what in exchange for a little bow action?”
“I won’t rule anything out at this point,” Yulen darkly admitted. He raised a finger. “What we need is for a Normal-looking Mutah to walk through every Normal compoundnowand find out if we have a spy.”
“Why not me?” Mistelle spoke up.
They stared at her in surprise. She stared back without flinching. “You know I can spot a Mutah a mile away. If there’s one hiding in the Normal compound, I’ll find him.”
“Misty,” Lucien started to object.
She ignored him and continued. “I’ve only been introduced to the battle lords and their seconds. And they’re all gathered inside the main hall right now waiting for the conference to continue. Let me go slip on a dress to cover up my boots, just in case, then I’ll stop by Vanty’s bakery for some bagels. I can sell them outside the compound, and that’ll give me a chance to scan the campsites for any sign of a Mutah.”
Yulen grinned. “Good. I like it. Go now. I need to head back to the hall before our guests start getting restless.” Striding over to her, he kissed her forehead. “Be careful, sweetie.”
