That couldn’t happen. Von’s position gave him the power to protect Yavi. That priority overshadowed everything, even his empathy to spare Dyna any harm at the hands of Tarn.
“Iwillcapture the Maiden for you,” he vowed. “I’ll leave now to intercept them and bring her to you by dawn.”
“No. I have another task for you of equal importance, which will prove your worth to me. Should you squander this opportunity, it will be your last,” Tarn said idly, as though he were explaining simple math to a child. An aloof promise of death.
Von dropped to one knee. “I’m at your service, Master.”
“Whether your service be of any use begs the question.”
“Whatever the task, whatever you desire, I will acquire it for you.” The declaration sat like spoiled milk in his stomach.
Without question.
“So you shall. Assemble the spies to set out for Beryl Coast. Bouvier has sent word on the Sacred Scroll he had left to investigate,” Tarn started, but Yavi barreled inside the tent.
“Well, did I not say it would happen, Von?” she demanded. “I heard from Novo that you’re leaving. That man commands, and you bend—” The rest died on her lips when she noticed the master sitting at their table.
The color drained from her face as cold horror sank into Von’s bones.
Tarn rose to his feet.
He would never tolerate such insubordination. Tarn would kill her, or worse. Whip her small body until she nothing but a shredded piece of flesh.
“Hold that insolent tongue lest I cut it out,” Von said icily, coming for her. The terror in her eyes made him sick, but he couldn’t show that. Tarn was watching.
She ran out of the tent. He watched her retreating form, resisting the urge to go after her.
“That one has become imprudent, Von.” Tarn’s mouth thinned as he glanced at their cots and cozy setting within the tent. “You have been too lenient, or should I say comfortable? Softened toward a woman who serves your every … need.” His icy eyes fell on him like two frozen spheres. “Perhaps I should have her tongue removed, so she may not forget her place.”
Sohemay not forget.
It took all Von had to keep his hardened expression. “That would render her useless, Master. What good is a linguist if she cannot speak?”
“Then have her whipped.”
“Yes, I’ll do it myself.” He prayed to the God of Urn that the daze from the Witch’s Brew would make Tarn forget about the command.
Satisfied with his harsh reply, Tarn moved on from the subject. “As I was saying, you will assemble the spies to retrieve the scroll. The ruins lay outside of Beryl Cove in the northeast coast of Azure, a fortnight’s ride from here.”
Only if they rode non-stop. Von didn’t expect to go on another expedition while pursuing Dyna. To sending him away at such a pivotal time meant this scroll might be the Scroll of the Unending they were searching for.
“I’ll go, but before I do, allow me to capture the Maiden. I’ll not fail you, Master.”
Tarn contemplated him for a moment. “Very well. You and the lieutenants shall accompany me along with another twenty of your best to retrieve her.”
Tension coiled around Von’s body. This was unusual. Tarn didn’t go on any missions. Not since… He glanced at the jagged scar cutting across his master’s face. As though Tarn sensed his gaze, he rubbed the discolored skin on his chin.
“Shall I bring Len and Novo?” Von asked.
Tarn’s pale blond hair shifted over his forehead as he tilted his head. “Leave them behind. There is no more room for error this time, Von. I want the Maiden and the sorceress alive.”
“We will need enchanted slave bangles to restrain them.”
“I’ll have it, along with this.” Raising his hand, Tarn displayed the leather cuff on his wrist with three amber beads containing black clovers. He had bought it from a witch in their recent trip to Versai for a small fortune.
“What of the others?”
“Kill them.” Tarn flung the knife, embedding it on the table’s surface. “Starting with the Lycan.”
