While Kira appreciated the reminder, it was unnecessary.
Third lesson from Himoto—always safeguard your exit strategy.
“Two from you to help protect the gate,” Kira informed Bez.
Since his people had already set up an overwatch and were familiar with the area, they made the most sense.
“Maksym will stay behind with them,” Kira continued.
Really, the ginger menace was the only one present on her side who she could task with the job.Finn was going to stick to her like her shadow.Raider was too used to watching her back to consider any other alternative.
And Jin—was Jin.
Dylan would cling to his coattails.
Roderick—she didn’t have any authority over.So, he was out too.
Someone she trusted had to remain behind, though.
Maksym was her best and only option.
“The rest of us will head for the enclave,” Kira finished.
She waited a moment, but no one argued.
“Arly and Tage, remain here with him,” Bez ordered.“Az and Pye, you’re with me.”
Az and Bez’s companion from Ta Sa’Riel headed for the trees.
“Don’t stray from the marked trail,” Az threw over her shoulder before disappearing to take point before Kira could stop her.
It wasn’t until Finn touched a nearby tree with a hand wreathed inkithat Kira understood.A simplified version of House Roake’s sigil, alu-ongcurled around a stone, glowed on its trunk.
This version looked more like a squiggly line than one of the giant serpentine creatures who were considered both sacred and monstrous by the Tuann, but she got the idea.
It didn’t take long for Kira to learn the reason for Az’s precaution.
The ground turned spongy the moment you stepped off the marked path.Kira’s foot sank almost to her mid-calf before she managed to catch herself.
Raider pulled her back onto stable ground.“Is it just me or is this place creepy?”
“No, it’s definitely creepy,” Kira agreed.
The forest was eerily silent except for a faint moaning.The trees rocked back and forth with the rise and fall of those sounds.As Kira watched, the ground around the base of a tree lifted, exposing the root ball before settling back into place.
“It looks like it’s breathing,” Jin commented, looking fascinated.
Kira thought he’d forget himself and try to zip forward to investigate.The same way he would have as the J1N.Thankfully, he recalled himself in time, and she didn’t have to risk life and limb to go chasing after him.
Instead, Jin dug into his pack, fishing out a metal figurine that looked like a tiny hummingbird.It came alive in his palm.Wings moving fast enough to blur.
“What was that?”Pye demanded as it disappeared into the trees.
Kira glanced at Jin to find him intent on the hummingbird.She didn’t think he’d even heard the question.
The Tuann took a threatening step toward them.“What did you do?”
Kira blocked his view of Jin with her body.“Just a little surveillance.Nothing to worry about.”
