“Yes?”Isaac asked.“Is that not correct?”
“Fuckyourself, squire.”
“Whatam I doing?”
Shestopped, made an angry exhalation, and marched over to his position, standingtall and stern above him.Her fur turned to gold beneath the hanging cartilagelight.
“Don’tget cocky,” she said.
“Iwon’t,” Isaac replied.
“If shecloses the distance, you’re dead, and it won’t be a pleasant departure,neither.”
“I’mwell aware, believe me.”
“Oh,are you?What a brave lad.”She gave him a light slap above the groin.“Try notto trip over your cock, young lord.Seems it’s swingin’ low.”
“Zaria,”he said.“I’m aware this is risky.You don’t need to tell me that.Honestly, Ithink you’ve spent too long seeing me tied and helpless.She’s the one whoneeds to be afraid.”
For amoment, the rumbling intensified, as if the sandwyrm had closed in for a pass.Beyond the palace walls, the few shouts of merriment ceased immediately.Thepatrols on the ramparts clutched their crossbows to their chest.
Theywere scared.
Theyhad good reason to be.
“Let medo the talking.”She went to pace, decided against it, and came to him again,squeezing his shoulder with a meaty paw.“No matter what, follow my lead.Beckand call at all times.Got it?”
Hebowed.“As you say, madam knight.”
Shecocked her head, surprised.For a moment, her usual mirth returned.“Well, now.Truly?”
“Forthis one time, yes.”
“Don’tgive me leeway, squire.I could get used to them words.”
“Thosewords.”
“Oh,whatever.”
“Grammaris important, you stupid brute.”
Shealmost grinned.Another shout rang from the palace, and the expression fledfrom her face.Her hackles rose until they were needle straight.She took adeep inhalation, eyes closed, trying not to whoop.
“Hey,”Isaac said.“I’ve got your back.”
Shenodded, as if she hadn’t really heard him.At the palace, Soren’s voice echoedthrough the city.
“Canyou trust me?”he asked.
Shelooked at him.He opened his palms, letting the sleeves of his robes billowaway.In the distance, a building collapsed from the constant quakes.
“Aye,”she said.“I think so.”
“Good.That’s all we need.”
She nodded.She looked at him again.She opened her snout, took a final breath, flexed thefingers on each of her hands, and began to peel back her lip, exposing theyellow fangs beneath.“Right.”She slapped herself on the cheek, brieflyjogging in place.“Right.”
“Right,”Isaac said.
