My stomach dropped. “Do you know who?”
Bren shook his head. “I sent two to get a closer look, but they did not recognize the crest. This is not a clan or even a town, Orthorr. These are soldiers traveling in full armor. Whatever their reason for coming, it is not good.”
There were only two possibilities for a battalion headed our way. Either the king of the country we resided in had gotten tired of our treaty with the towns or… My gaze snapped to Orthorr.
“You do not think it is Al Nuzem, do you?”
Orthorr went pale. “Did Zakai ever send a letter to his family?”
I shook my head. He’d intended to, and I gave him pen and paper to do so when he was feigning illness, intending to send the note along with the clan nearest to Al Nuzem when they left with their tribute, but he never got around to it before the clan representatives left. When he was still using Simon to translate, he said his parents believed him dead. So how had they figured out where he was?
Bren looked expectantly between us, but I wasn’t sure what the best move was. If our warriors met the army outside the clan, they might expect a fight without any attempt at diplomacy. But if we didn’t, we risked leaving the village unprotected if they did attack. Even if it was Al Nuzem, it wasn’t like I would bring Zakai to face down their army on his own. The risk to his safety was too great.
“Orthorr?” Bren prompted.
Orthorr didn’t answer right away. He was watching me. Annoyance boiled under my skin. “Now is not the time to test me,” I growled at him. “I do not know what to do.”
He studied me for a long moment, then dipped his chin. “Admitting that is just as important as knowing.” He turned to Bren. “How soon will the rest of your clan get here?”
“We are about an hour’s ride ahead of them.”
“Good. Get non-fighters inside the clan. I request you join us. No weapons drawn right away. We will be cautious, not aggressive, until they explain why they are here.” He turned to Saneth, who still stood nearby. “Get Simon. He may be needed. And call the others to arms.” Turning his attention to me, he jerked his head in Bren’s direction. “Assist Clan Urthazrak in moving their people to safety. Then prepare yourself. You willstand by my side when we meet the army. Let us hope this is not what we think it is.”
ZAKAI
It was surprising just how quickly things could take a turn for the worse. One moment, I was sitting with Simon and his friends, discussing their barbarians and ideas on how I could convince Uttin to let me stay. The next, people were barking orders I didn't understand. I turned to ask Simon what they were saying, but a smaller barbarian was speaking to him in a rushed voice, his expression serious, and they both ran off together without a backward glance in my direction.
A small hand took mine, tugging lightly. I looked at Finn, who was wide-eyed and worried, trying to guide me away.
“We have to hide. It’s not safe.”
I shook my head, confused. “Why hide? What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. But the last time something like this happened, we were attacked by another clan. They…” He choked on his words, his eyes filling with tears. “They attempted to assault members of the clan. It’s not safe to be alone. We will go together to the tents near the forest. If attackers do come, we will escape in the trees until it is safe to come back.”
My eyes widened in shock. Attempted assault? Attacked by another clan? I hadn’t known any of that was possible. Despite the godsawful weather, it felt a little like nothing bad ever happened here. Everyone was happy, and most days the receiving tent was filled with smiles and laughter. I didn’t think there could be a risk of something like that happening.
“Come on,” Finn urged, tugging lightly again. He wouldn’t force me, but he was worried for me. And for himself. I could see it in his eyes. That fear that said he was one of those who’d been attacked before and was terrified it would happen again. Letting out a breath, I nodded.
“I will go with you. But I need a weapon. I am not the best fighter, but I can use a blade. Where can I find one?”
A squeaky noise drew my attention over my shoulder to where Matthew stood, his mouth working like he wanted to say words but struggled to get them out. I recognized it and put my hand up to stop him.
“Do not speak if it makes you uncomfortable. Show me what you wish for me to know.”
Relief flashed across his face, and he beckoned me to follow him. I took Finn with me, unwilling to leave the frightened man without protection. The only training my father refused to let me skip out on was swordplay. I had been required to learn the basics. Hopefully it would be enough to protect those who could not protect themselves.
Matthew led the way to a tent tucked away from the rest, nearly inside the forest with its own small fire pit in front of it. Whoever lived there obviously didn’t want to socialize. I questioned why we were there until he ushered us inside. I came up short when Einar straightened, a foreboding expression on his face as he looked at me. I nearly swallowed my tongue.
Matthew hurried to his side, lifting to his toes to speak in Einar’s ear. Einar, for his part, leaned down willingly and didn’t rush the man, nodding to show he heard. Straightening, he eyed me again.
“You are proficient with a blade?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I’ve had lessons. I’m not the best, but I want to do what I can.”
Approval flashed across his face, and he nodded. “Take what you need. Return it to me when this is over.”
His confidence about how this would end boosted me a little. I eyed his stash, stopping when I noticed a weapon from Al Nuzem near the back. The curved blade was as long as my arm but light and versatile. The gold-encrusted handle felt familiar in my hand, and with a twist, the blade became two, thinner than before but just as deadly.
