Her hands already carried enough blood. They didn't need any more.
"Darius—"
"There's no need for that," Ajari said, his strong voice drowning out Eva's tentative one.
Darius and the rest stared at the troublesome mythological in their midst, one who seemed entirely too amused given the grim events of the last twenty-four hours.
"And why is that?" Darius asked. He didn't seem surprised by Ajari's interruption, flicking a glance at Eva. There was understanding in his eyes.
Her heart sank. He knew—or at least suspected—what Sebastian had done. He'd just been giving her time to speak.
"Because your Caller did her job. Orion will be here soon," Ajari said.
Everyone knew Orion's name from the stories. They knew of him because of his link to Shea and the role he'd played bringing her out of the Badlands.
There was a hushed silence that was filled with anticipation.
"He was impressed with what she did for the pregnant mares, freeing them and then delivering one of the foals despite severe danger to herself," Ajari said. "Everything you've faced on this journey has been a test. She's passed all of them. He and his people are now willing to discuss an alliance with your people."
Darius was still, his expression hidden.
Ajari held his gaze, the two warriors locked in a silent and bloodless battle.
"How convenient for us," Darius finally said.
"Yes, it is. It seems the little Caller has fulfilled her purpose after all," Ajari said, his gaze dropped to Eva's, a weight there as well as expectation and anticipation. Ajari blinked, focusing back on the general. "Of course, this discussion will have to involve the Flock’s Burning One and the man she calls Warlord."
Someone snorted. "We came all this way for nothing?"
That was a hard thing to swallow. Especially considering all those they'd lost.
"Not nothing," Ajari said lightly. "She, and all of you, would never have drawn his interest if not for your shared experiences. He'd like to thank you for escorting his nephew part of the way home. It is because of this kindness that all of the rest will be possible."
The Trateri were silent as they considered him. Eva didn't know if that would be enough. People had died. It was hard to feel like they hadn't died for nothing, when they felt they were returning to the starting point without ever having accomplished what they’d set out to do.
She released a breath. Sometimes life didn't work out the way you thought. It was full of twists and turns and sometimes to go forward you had to go back to the beginning.
It wasn't the pretty solution, but it was still progress. Sometimes that was the only thing you could hold onto.
"They'll be here tomorrow. I suggest you start thinking about who will take advantage of their offer." Ajari straightened and started to move away.
"What offer?" Eva asked when it didn't seem like anyone else would.
Ajari gave Eva a sidelong smile. "To fly several of you back to the Keep."
That got a reaction from the warriors. There was a hush and then all eyes turned to Eva.
"Remember, I was your friend first, and if that isn’t enough, I know multiple ways to kill you without anyone being the wiser," Fiona said very seriously.
Ajari smirked and tipped his head at Eva before walking away.
The insufferable mythological had thrown her to the wolves.
"I'm sure the general has a list of people he’d like to remain with the main body," Eva started.
The general in question was staring into the sky with a fixed expression on his face. At his mention, he glanced at Eva, his eyes as excited as a child’s. "Make sure you pick a good one for me. Handsome and fierce. I want stories written about our return."
Eva gaped. His expression didn't shift, not even a little, no sign of his trademark smug smile anywhere to be seen.
