"What? No longer want to protect me?" Eva asked sarcastically.
Jason took one look at the group and shook his head. "Some tasks are impossible."
Drake's nod was serious. "The trick is recognizing which is which."
Eva glared at the two. "Thanks."
Gawain drifted in their direction, attracted by the commotion. He scanned the small group, interest sparking when he caught sight of Sebastian and Brisa.
"Great. Look what you've done," Warin hissed under his breath.
"Problem?" Gawain eyed the scattered cards and the tense expressions on Roscoe and Warin's faces before focusing on Eva.
Put on the spot, Eva blanked. At a loss as to how to respond, she glanced at the others.
Roscoe shook his head in a minute gesture.
Eva met Gawain's gaze with an innocent expression. "No?"
He made a noncommittal sound, not looking like he believed her. He shot a quick glance at his fellow clan member, raising an eyebrow in question.
Emersyn hesitated before shaking her head.
Gawain nodded, letting the silence deepen. His features settled into contemplative lines as he studied their group.
Eva wasn't fooled for a second into thinking he believed her obvious lie, but she also didn't think he'd make an issue of things.
Tempers tended to flare among the Trateri. Particularly on the dawn of battle.
"Very well then. I'm happy to hear that," Gawain said with a faint smile. "We're about to move soon. I suggest you pack up."
"Understood, clan leader," Warin and Roscoe said at the same time.
Brisa watched events unfold with a fascinated expression, her gaze moving between the Trateri before catching on Gawain.
"Will you be joining us on our journey?" Gawain asked her.
Brisa checked Eva's expression before nodding slowly.
"We look forward to having you." With one last glance at those present, Gawain strode away.
"That's my cue," Emersyn said, standing. "I'd say it was fun, but you're all terrible players."
Warin shot Roscoe and Ghost a smile. "Guess since the game ended early, I'll be taking my stones back."
He reached for the brightly colored stones scattered in the middle. Before he could touch the first, Brisa swiped them and cradled them to her chest.
"Pretty, pretty," she crooned.
Her head turned as she caught sight of several others. She scooped those up too.
Warin's glare was heated. "That's mine."
Brisa leaned away from him, hugging the handful of stones to her chest. "I grabbed them first."
"That's called stealing," Warin snapped.
Jason shifted. "This isn't going to end well."
