Orbai swoops past, screeching her displeasure at the commotion.
Serik takes one look at us both and resumes bellowing at Temujin. “You promised Enebish was safe!”
“I am safe,” I interject, but Serik yells louder.
“You look awful. They’ve clearly been torturing you.” He gestures to my tear-streaked face and the wound at my collarbone. “And he kidnapped me!”
“No one is torturing me. I just had a nightmare. And Temujin ‘kidnapped’ you from a prison wagon.”
“I think the term you’re looking for isrescued,” Temujin cuts in. “An act that’s usually received with far more gratitude.”
“I didn’t need your help,” Serik says to Temujin. “I had a plan.”
Temujin lets out a long, weary breath and looks to me. “Is he always so …”
“Yes,”I say with a wheezy laugh. “Always. Surprisingly, you come to appreciate it.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
Serik bunches back his sleeves. “If you have a problem with me, deserter …”
I roll my eyes and tug Serik’s arm. “Stop picking fights and come with me. I’ll explain everything.”
Before Serik can take a step, Temujin yanks him back. “I’m afraid he must stay here, in the supply shack.”
“What?” Serik and I cry out in unison.
“Only for a short—”
“See!” Serik says. “You are holding me hostage.”
“You promised to free him,” I exclaim.
Inkar, Chanar, and a swarm of curious Shoniin dart into the clearing, buzzing toward the disturbance like flies to sheep.
“Enebish! There you are,” Inkar calls.
“Having trouble with the big, mean monk?” Chanar elbows Temujin in the ribs. “I don’t know why you bothered saving him—rich, pampered coward, hiding away in the monastery while the rest of us bleed and fight.” He scrunches his nose at Serik’s holy robes.
Serik’s entire body goes as rigid as the Ondor Mountains, and the cords in his forearms bulge. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“Don’t get him started.” Temujin waves Chanar and the other Shoniin back. “He’ll never shut up.” Then he steps closer to me and lowers his voice. “Stop making a scene. I promised to free Serik from the prison wagon. Which I did. I said nothing about letting him roam freely here.”
“That was implied!” I toss my hands into the air. What I really want to do is smack the virtuous expression off Temujin’s face. “Why would you free him from one prison only to put him in another?”
“To ensure you uphold your end of our bargain.”
Serik stops ranting and looks at me. “What bargain?”
“I gave you my word,” I grind out, eyes fixed on Temujin. “That should be enough.”
“Shouldis fickle, isn’t it?” Temujin says darkly. “Ishouldbe able to wear these tribal rings in my ears. Ishouldbe free to return to Verdenet to check on my family. Ishouldbe believed when I tell my superior officers I didn’t desert my regiment, but unfortunately, nothing in life is ever as itshouldbe.”
“But—”
“Put yourself in my position. You’ve made it abundantly clear you don’t trust me, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that I don’t trust you, either. I promise no harm will come to Serik, but he must stay here until you make good on your promise.” Temujin yanks Serik closer to the shack. This time, Serik doesn’t fight. He allows Temujin to drag him along like a limp sack of grain.
“What did you promise him, Enebish?” Serik’s voice is quiet, ragged.
