“I’m ready for the next one,” I said quietly, under the low murmur of conversation around the room.
Gil nodded. “Remember: There are no correct answers, only survivable ones. Do you understand what that means?”
“It means that the questions aren’t intended to test my knowledge, but my ability to solve problems,” I said, repeating what Voski had told us at the beginning of the session.
“That’s right. Take as much time to think this through as you need. This isn’t quick-fire.”
I listened as he read out the challenge, turning it over in my mind as I envisioned the scenario.
While operating under deep cover, a mercenary agent discovers that you’re a Furyknight. They threaten exposure unless you pay a hefty sum to keep them quiet. Extraction would mean abandoning your post when you have almost achieved your goal. What do you do?
Gil put the paper down. “Break it down for me—what risks can you identify, and how would you address each of them?”
I frowned and turned it back over in my mind. “Is the mercenary male or female?”
“Male.”
“Do they have any known alliances?”
“You don’t know. You only became aware of him because he confronted you with this.”
“How did he find out?”
Gil’s lips pulled up on one side like I’d pleased him with the question. “He claims he saw you interacting with Akhane, and his dragon recognized the bond.”
I was surprised. “Dragons can do that?”
“Some of them, yes.”
I gave it some thought. “Did I interact with Akhane? Is that story true?”
“You tell me, Bren. Let’s say it’spossible. He’s telling you that he saw you with your dragon, andhisdragon could sense the bond between you. What do you do?”
“Well, the first thing that stands out is that he’s a mercenary. That means he’s loyal to whomever will pay. And extorting me doesn’t stop him seeking another, higher bidder for this information.”
Gil nodded as he scratched notes on his paper.
I grimaced. “It’s also possible he’s lying. That he has a hunch, and is just seeing if I’ll bite. I’d consider whether it’s even possible that’s true. If I have a safe place to visit Akhane, or haven’t seen her recently, and he’s just fishing, I’d laugh off the accusation and only act concerned that he doesn’t gossip with nobles.”
Gil tipped his head. “Why?”
“Because in his world, I’m an ambitious, low-born female who’s trying to catch the eye of a Lord. I don’t want him thinking that I’m powerful when I need him to believe I’m helpless.”
“But, how do you convincethis mannot to reveal you?”
I chewed my lip. “Either, I work to be underestimated, showing concern for all the wrong kinds of problems so he’s confused, or—”
“Hold,” Gil said, frowning. “Explain that, please.”
I sat back in my chair. “It’s diversion. I get frantic about the wrong things. He’s expecting me to be worried about being revealed as a Furyknight. But if I’m frantic that some wealthy noble might stop pursuing me if he thinks I’m not in need, or beg him not to make me a target of the gossiping Ladies because they’ll be cruel and humiliate me in front of the men, then he might still be suspicious. But he’ll question himself. Basically, if I express all the wrong priorities, he questions whether he’s gotthe right person. He’s expecting shrewd cunning, or negotiation. I play the mindless victim.”
Gil’s eyes narrowed. “He’s a trader in secrets and power. He believes you’re a spy. A Furyknight.You believe he’ll fall forfluttering?”
“Possibly. If he wasn’t sure, and I play it right. Men often lose patience with a woman’s fear, thinking it’s frivolous. If he was testing the waters, he’ll roll his eyes and realize I have no resources with which to buy him off. He’ll look for a different target.”
“And if he doesn’t? If he believes youarethat strong and resourceful?”
“Then it depends how deeply I’m entrenched with anyone of power. If I do actually have a Lord pursuing me,hemight fall for the fluttering. Particularly because I’m a woman and the claim of Furyknight is preposterous without proof.”
