Jason growled in the back of his throat, looking seconds from doing Brisa bodily harm.
The Tenrin took no notice of his state as she continued. "Besides, the nice one said he'd teach me the game, but I couldn't find him."
The unexpected words shook Jason out of his rage, making him pause.
"Nice one?" Eva asked.
"The friendly human who gave me my cards."
"Let me get this straight. You're under the impression that Roscoe is nice?" Jason asked, still disbelieving.
"Isn't he?" Brisa looked between Jason and Eva.
Jason’s stare was wide-eyed, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Eva took pity on him. "That's not exactly how we'd describe him."
A little bit wicked, with zero patience for stupidity, and a mile-wide mean streak for those who crossed him. Those descriptions would be a lot closer to reality. Though Eva supposed for someone with as little experience with humans as Brisa, Roscoe's actions would come across as kind.
And truthfully, they were.
Eva and Jason simply had too much experience with him and Ghost to believe it. Roscoe could be nice, but then again, he could be a terror too. Who was to say which side Brisa would get next time she met him?
"Then how would you describe him?" Brisa asked, puzzled.
"Not nice," Jason answered without a moment of thought.
"Complicated," Eva said seconds after him.
Brisa's gaze was assessing, the wisdom Eva had noted before present. This wasn't someone who was stupid or easily manipulated. Like Ajari, she hid much of herself behind a mask.
Something made Eva think she'd be a lot harder to take advantage of than she seemed.
Eva couldn't help but feel a little relief at that. If Brisa could protect herself, it would make Eva's job that much easier.
A shout came from where Ollie was checking on the horses. There was a horsey scream as one of the string reared. The leads snapped. Not just for him but for several of the horses.
They galloped away, dodging the Trateri trying to stop them.
"What happened?" Eva yelled, wheeling Caia to canter toward Ollie.
"I don't know. Something spooked them."
Ollie had his hands full with the two mares he'd caught before they could break away with the rest. They resisted his hold as he made soothing sounds at them.
Eva stood up in her stirrups, observing the situation. Already, the other horses had disappeared around the bend, and catching them was a priority. Ollie had to get the mares settled and back on their leads before also checking over the rest. With the Trateri set to move again, their time was limited.
"You deal with them. I'll go after the others." Eva flicked her reins. "Let's go, Caia."
The mare responded and cantered after the rest.
"Eva, wait. I don't think this is a good idea," Ollie called after her.
It wasn't, but Eva wouldn't leave the horses. Not if there was any other choice. She'd spent time with each one over the last few weeks. They were as precious to her as all the rest.
These mountains were thick with beasts. They wouldn't survive long if left alone.
"I've got her, Ollie," Jason yelled.
