"I don't understand."
"When parentage is known, your history is assumed. For children like us, people believe that if our own parents didn't want us, there must be a reason. Clan and family bonds are important to the Trateri. Not having them can make your opportunities sparse," Caden said. "Your apprentice rides like a warrior. The fact he chose to approach me, tells me he wants something more out of life than being a herd master."
"You think he wants to become an Anateri," Eva stated.
Caden nodded. "That would be my assumption."
Eva couldn't see it. "He's good with the horses. With time, he'll rival Hardwick."
"As good as you?" he asked, tilting his head.
Eva was quiet as she looked away. No, he wasn't as good as her.
Caden's brief smile appeared again. "He's too old to be accepted as a warrior’s apprentice. Training for them starts shortly after they can walk and no later than ten years."
"Is that when you started?"
Caden's expression became far away. "No, my training was less formal."
Eva could imagine a young Caden practicing in secret until he mastered the moves. He had that type of drive.
Her heart ached for the boy he’d been, even as the man confused her.
"There's nothing wrong with being a herd master," she said, facing forward again. "Positions with Hardwick are considered prestigious. He doesn't take just anyone, only the best."
His look was thoughtful. "No, there isn't. As long as you're the one who chose it. What I'm saying is he might not have had much say in the matter."
This time it was Eva's turn to consider, the words sitting like rocks in her thoughts. She knew what it was like not to have a say. To feel so suffocated that she'd have done anything to escape, even if it meant facing the dark woods on her own, death almost a certainty.
It made her empathize with the younger man.
"Are you going to help him?" she asked.
He tilted his face toward the sun and closed his eyes. "There’s little reward in it for me."
She frowned at him. "Not everything in this life is about rewards. You have the skill. You could help change his fate."
He didn't answer
"You had Fallon. You could be his Fallon," she pressed. He'd either help or he wouldn't. There wasn't much else she could say.
"Ask me nicely," he said, his eyes still closed as the corners of his lips tilted slightly up.
She narrowed her eyes at him. Was this some type of new game?
He waited patiently.
"Why?"
He opened his eyes. "If I'm going to do this, I want it clear I'm doing it for you. I care little whether he succeeds or not. Which means I expect to be asked. Nicely." His smile this time showed his teeth, a smug look settling on his face.
He thought she wouldn't do it.
Very well then.
"Will you please train my apprentice to become a warrior?" Eva asked in a saccharine voice. She even added a sweet smile for good measure.
He grunted in amusement. She took that to mean he agreed.
