Relief eased the tightness in Kira's chest. "He'll be okay?"
"If he knows what’s good for him, he will be," Quillon growled, moving off.
Having been at the tender mercy of the healer on more than one occasion, Kira could almost sympathize with her oshota.
Talon replaced Quillon at her side.
Kira stared at the Tuann. "Look who finally showed up. Where have you been all this time?"
"Just here and there. I had a few things to take care of down there."
Auralyn's snort was amused. "He means he sabotaged several of their ships. The explosions caused massive casualties on their side. "
Talon grunted, not acknowledging Auralyn's statement as he tossed something at Kira.
Puzzled, Kira lifted the fist-sized object, turning it over in her hand. "A Tuann storage device."
"In addition to my meddling, I did a little investigating while I was down there." Talon tapped the stone she held. "Everything I found is on there."
Kira looked at the memory device with renewed excitement. There was no telling what information Talon had found, but she suspected whatever was on this would be of considerable value to Jace. Maybe enough to help him in the shit storm that was sure to come his way for going rogue.
"There's a price though," Talon told her before she had a chance to thank him.
Kira bit back her words, watching him warily. "Okay."
"Don't worry. It's not going to hurt you." He smirked as he knelt in front of her. "I will be your shield."
Kira's eyes widened. "No. Absolutely not."
"You will be my sword," he continued.
"I don’t accept." Kira looked back at Auralyn. "That's how it is supposed to work, right? I have to agree?"
Auralyn's gaze was speculative. "That’s how it's usually done."
Talon's expression was impassive as he pointed at the storage device in her hand. "If you want that, you don't have a choice."
Involuntarily, Kira clutched the device to her chest.
Talon smiled. "Glad we're in agreement."
"We're not though," Kira called at his back as he made his way back to where Finn was lying.
She cursed when he gave no signs of hearing.
"Congratulations on your new oshota. Your uncle will be pleased," Auralyn commented.
Kira threw an arm over her face. One oshota was bad enough. She refused to accept a second.
Maybe there was a way to convince him to take back the oath he'd just made. No one except Auralyn had been paying attention. Kira was sure the other woman wouldn't contradict them if she and Talon pretended this hadn't happened.
Graydon's presence beside her registered a second before he lifted her arm off her face.
She stared up at him grumpily. "Don't say it."
His eyes laughed down at her.
"I mean it, Graydon. Not a word."
