“Then why not leave it where it is?” Croak asked, looking between the two. “If it’s lost, no one can use it.”
“Because the emperor is looking for it,” Xoran said with a laconic lift of his shoulder.
“Ah ha,” Croak snapped his fingers. “There it is.”
“I thought you said?—”
“Emperor Solonislooking for it. I told him I would get it for him, but I will not give it to him,” Xoran ground out. Croak could tell by the little tic at the corner of his lips he was losing patience.His dark eyes narrowed, and the cruel mask he’d always worn in front of them over the years finally fell back into place.
“You must think me a fool, Xoran,” Terena chuckled, “if you believe I will find it for you now. I’ll get Sonah on my own. And you can keep your tracker.”
“Wait!”
Terena turned back toward the door, motioning for Rydon and Croak to follow, when Vassori called out. Croak glanced over his shoulder to see the tracker standing now, her hand in front of her and panic on her face before she schooled her expression.
“I will pledge my sword to you without your help finding the amulet.”
“No.”
“Please!” Vassori’s plaintiff cry stopped them all. Rydon’s lips were still firmly pressed together, letting Terena deal with the woman. Croak folded his arms and watched the performance.
“Vas—”
“No,” Vassori batted Xoran’s hand away and he sat back on the sofa, staring at the ground while Vassori rounded the table to stand before Terena.
She dropped to one knee.
Croak’s mouth fell open, and he swung his head to Terena. She stood straight and stiff, her eyes on the woman kneeling at her feet but with a look on her face Croak had only ever seen on Solon’s face.
And on Hermes.
“I have no right to ask this of you,” Vassori said, her head bowed, “but please let me pledge my sword, my life, my death, to you. I do not ask for anything in return. I wish only to serve.”
“Why?” Rydon asked.
There was a beat of silence following his question.
“Because you will lead us when the war comes.”
“Heylisia’s already at war,” Croak said quietly.
“What war is coming?” Rydon asked.
“Vas!” Xoran’s face was thunderous as he stood, his hands clenched and his eyes spitting fire.
“You know,” Vassori said, lifting her head at last. Her face had such a vulnerable look, Croak shifted uncomfortably.
“You know,” she said again, more forcefully. “The oracle told you. ‘Leading the gods to glory’.”
Terena’s face lost all color. Rydon swore under his breath. Croak felt dread slide down to his belly.
“The second Immortals War is coming,” Vassori whispered, as if she wished not to be overheard by the Fates. “And if you’re leading the gods to glory, I want to be at your side.”
Chapter 8
SPARTA
Slipping away from Jenos was the most challenging part of their escape. But it’d be easier to leave from her rooms rather than Lerek’s. So they’d decided to meet in Sonah’s bedchamber, the supplies they’d need hidden in the chest at the foot of her bed.
