"What would you like done?" Solal asked.
"Detain them, but don't hurt them if possible."
There was no sign the person intended harm. They also didn't move in a way that suggested they were a spy. Their actions were too unschooled for that, and there had been no attempt made at being clandestine.
Graydon didn't want to risk reprisal from the Haldeel in the event the person was a citizen simply fascinated by the Tuann.
Jettie had a pretty large human refugee population. Humans had been known to fixate on Graydon's people. Sometimes to an unhealthy extent. As long as their shadow didn't intend them harm, Graydon would respond in kind.
At Solal's silent signal, Noor and Cord fell out of step. As one, they moved to face the person following them.
"Little friend, you'll need to come with us," Noor informed the shadow.
"Graydon," Baran said, sounding like he was standing right next to Graydon. "We have a slight problem.”
In front of them, their tail froze.
Noor and Cord didn't move as they waited for the person's next move—whether to flee or surrender. They were prepared for both eventualities.
"I don't know how she did it, but she's gone. I think she had help," Baran continued through the link.
Graydon stopped moving, their follower's presence suddenly taking on a different connotation. Their smaller size. The fact they hadn't acted until Graydon gave the order to pick up Kira.
Only a few people would have an interest in something like that.
As if in confirmation, a familiar voice said, "I'm afraid that option doesn't work for me."
Raider whirled to face the stranger. "Elena."
The hooded figure took off, evading Noor's grasp and disappearing out an adjacent window in the next breath. Raider followed close on her heels.
In an instant, Graydon's quarry changed from Kira to Elena.
"After her," Graydon ordered.
His oshota leapt out of the window.
"What about Kira?" Wren questioned, his reluctance to abandon the chase clear.
"She's gone, but someone just as good fell into our grasp," Graydon answered.
Wren was no fool. He knew Graydon wouldn't abandon the hunt without good reason. Still, Wren's agenda was clear. Find Kira and protect her. As herseon'yer, he only cared about her safety.
Wren was a highly respected individual among the Tuann. Even Graydon couldn't force his compliance if he truly objected.
"Trust me. If we catch this person, Kira will come to us."
Wren studied Graydon, his thoughts not easy to read. Graydon waited, knowing no amount of demands would sway him. Wren made a sharp gesture and the three oshota who'd shadowed him like silent sentinels disappeared through the window after the rest.
Good.
That was one problem addressed.
"Follow me," Graydon said over his shoulder.
He left the oshota to chase after the hooded figure, knowing the two of them wouldn't add much value to the pursuit. Instead, they took an alternate route, seeking to cut the other person off.
Yet, every time they came close, the person would veer away.
