Ajari's mocking smile was faint. "Of course. We wouldn't want to deny our Caller a human's consideration."
If Chirron picked up on the subtle claim Ajari made on Eva, he didn't betray it by so much as a flicker of an eyelash.
Sensing Caden was done with this topic, Chirron met Caden's flat expression with a calm one of his own. "May I?"
Caden's instincts to safeguard a vulnerable Eva warred with the reason and practicality he'd built up over decades of experience.
She needed Chirron. More than she did Caden at the moment.
"I will bring no harm to your lady," Chirron assured Caden.
"I'll hold you to that," Caden told him, meaning every word as he handed Eva over to the other.
It wasn't wise threatening a healer. Particularly this healer.
Most never saw past his calling to the viper resting at his heart.
Caden knew. As did Van and many of the clan leaders.
That capacity for brutality was what allowed Chirron to lead a group that every clan would monopolize if they could.
In some ways Chirron was more twisted than them all. The duality of his personality, healer and warrior, a difficult balancing act.
And this was who Caden was about to entrust Eva's life to.
Chirron didn't react to the threat as the corners of his eyes crinkled. "I'd expect no less. You have nothing to fear from me, Anateri."
Caden sincerely doubted that.
Chirron waved forward his disciple to help, a woman who moved briskly. Everything about her shouted efficiency, from the amber hair pulled into a simple knot at the base of her skull, to the plain clothes she wore. The only decoration on her, the emblem representing her status as Chirron's primary disciple. A purple verging on black emblem was stamped on her chest in a prominent spot. It took the shape of an elderberry plant. The leaves framing the distinctive berries beneath.
All Trateri were taught to recognize the mark from a young age. The symbol was the best way to identify a healer's status.
Ajari's attention turned in the direction Caden had come from, his head lifting as he got a focused look on his face.
A shadow darted into view from above, a Tenrin hovering in the air as he barked several sentences in the Tenrin's language.
Ajari's response was quick and brusque.
"What did he say?" Van's gaze was suspicious as he watched the other Tenrin wing away.
The Tenrin jerked to a stop, facing in the direction of the swarm. There was quiet for the span of several heartbeats.
Caia and Nell danced under their riders, the horses picking up the same thing as the Tenrin.
"Oh no," Jason whispered, already anticipating what was coming.
His dread matched Caden's as a low-pitched drone rose, drowning out the natural sounds of the valley.
"Your call for fire was a wise one," Ajari said.
Jason summoned two Trateri with a jerk of his head.
"Where do you think you're going?" Caden demanded as Jason handed Ghost off to them with instructions to take him to the healer.
"The others are still out there."
Caden's eyebrows rose. "What do you think you can accomplish with a single horse?"
