The troll shoved the woman back and rose with a club in his hand. By the look on the troll’s face, Xaydin could tell he planned on executing her with it.
Without hesitation, he was across the floor in time to catch the club with one hand.
The troll’s eyes widened with a mixture of fury and disbelief. “Mind your business.”
Xaydin glanced over his shoulder at the woman who had drawn a sword and was ready to defend herself. “Mind your manners.” He punched the troll who staggered back.
When the troll started forward, his friend caught him by the arm and kept the troll pinned to his side. “Don’t… Do you not see who it is?” he whispered in the troll’s ear.
His eyes widened even more as he realized Xaydin’s identity. That sucked every bit of fury from the beast who lowered his weapon and actually bowed. “Forgive me, lord. I didn’t mean it. Never would I have knowingly snapped at you.”
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to.” Xaydin released the club and stepped aside for the woman to be seen.
She was frozen in place with a stern frown as her gaze went from him to her assailant.
The troll turned to bow to the woman. “Forgive me, my lady. I meant no disrespect or harm.” Then he returned peacefully to his seat.
Gisela was stunned by the sight of the man in front of her who’d caused such a reversal in the one she was sure was about to kill her.
For one thing, her savior was huge in stature. She barely reached his shoulders, and she was exceptionally tall for a woman.
His wavy black hair fell to his shoulders and framed a face that must have been chiseled by the gods themselves. Never in her life had she seen a more handsome man or features so perfectly made. His black eyes matched the ornate black leather armor he wore. Armor that said he was most likely highborn and richer than most nobles she’d met in Meara’s court.
“I didn’t need your help,” she whispered.
That dark, intelligent gaze went to her drawn sword. “I’m sure you could have defeated him. Eventually. But for a human to draw troll blood with a weapon in Vaskalia…victory would have ended your life even more painfully than if he’d killed you.”
Gisela gasped as she realized that she didn’t know their laws. So used to Thassalia where everyone brawled to the death for something as petty as stubbing a toe, she hadn’t even considered what would happen to her if she was attacked and fought back in Vaskalia. “I was defending myself.”
“Wouldn’t matter. You’re not a citizen here, and they don’t tolerate foreigners.”
Glancing about, she realized how right he was. Everyone was staring at her with bloodlust in their eyes.
Her death was imminent and all because she hadn’t bothered to learn a stupid law that made no sense.
The man before her leaned down and whispered quietly in her ear, “Follow me before the Watch comes and takes you into custody.”
Without a second thought, she did so and then cursed herself as soon as they were on the street. Gisela stopped immediately.“Are you leading me into a trap or do you have something nefarious in mind?”
Arching his brow, he turned around slowly to stare at her in total disbelief. His expression would have been comical were it not for his lethal glare and demeanor. “For what purpose? You obviously have little to no money. And if you think I’d rape you after saving you, then you have absolutely no ability to read others.”
He was right. She’d never taken the time to learn that skill. In her line of work, it didn’t matter. Others fell into one of two categories: those to be ignored or those to be killed.
This stranger formed a third category that she wasn’t used to dealing with.
“All I know about others is that they can never be trusted.” No matter what category they fell into. “They say one thing to your face and act in complete contradiction the moment you turn your back. The troll you saved me from was willing to split open my skull because I accidentally bumped his arm so lightly, he didn’t even spill his drink. For that minor offense he was willing to spill blood. No warning. Just a sick smile when he stood up to confront me.”
Xaydin inwardly flinched as she gave voice to his own opinion and experience when it came to others. She was right about all that.
And they were strangers. He couldn’t fault her for being suspicious. Too many creatures were cowards who preyed on those who were weaker. He had enough scars on his body to prove that.
And while she might be a formidable warrior, given her actions and sword, she was still at a distinct disadvantage against an ogre, troll or giant.
“You’re right, my lady. But I’ve seen enough beings preyed upon by others. My only intent was to get you out in one piece.Which I’ve done.” He gave her a curt bow. “You’re welcome.” With that said, he turned to leave.
“Wait!”
Xaydin was surprised by her call. He turned back toward her slowly. “Yes?”
