"This lake, river, whatever you want to call it, wasn't here the last time I came through," Reece said. "I put out a little bait and nearly got pulled under by whatever was down there. I recommend not investigating further."
"I thought that was what you pathfinders did," Jedrek said, looking confused. "Poke the hornet’s nest and see what comes out."
Reece let out a long sigh. "That might work for my cousin, but the rest of us prefer to avoid the resulting stings."
There were sounds of assent from those around Eva. It seemed Reece wasn't the only one accustomed to that particular trait of his cousin.
"I, for one, appreciate that," Jedrek said.
"You would, Jedrek," Fiona scoffed.
Jedrek looked up at the warrior. "Most of us who are sane would."
Hanna snickered from behind Fiona, the sound cutting off abruptly when the other woman turned and glared. Hanna sobered, though amusement still tugged at her lips.
"Did they say anything else?" Caden asked, his quiet voice cutting through the brewing argument.
Eva hesitated. "Ajari said it smelled like rot and death."
"Is that it?" Caden asked, his expression expectant as if he could see inside Eva's mind and knew she was holding back.
She shook her head. "That's all they shared."
His eyes narrowed slightly. If she hadn't been watching him so closely, she might never have noticed.
"It's enough," Darius said dryly. "Far be it for me to argue with a Tenrin, a Kyren, and a pathfinder. We'll go around."
Eva released the breath she'd been holding, the knot in her stomach loosening slightly.
"Herd mistress.” Darius stopped her as she started to move away. Eva paused, looking back at him in question. His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Today will be the last day for the wagon."
His tone didn't invite questioning or resistance. Eva got the feeling that while she might have gotten away with her first request, pushing him on this would only lead to trouble for her.
She jerked her chin down in acknowledgment. "Of course, general."
CHAPTER NINE
