The silence was heavy, filled with expectations.
One wrong move, sound or scent, and we’d be in danger.
I squared my shoulders, and took a hesitant step forward.
The largest troll mirrored me.
“What are youdoing?” Dax hissed after me.
“It looks like I’m going to negotiate,” I said, unsure of every word. “Second me.”
“Second–” Dax choked. “You’re insane.”
Probably. But, still, I didn’t stop. My stubborn knees shook as I forced them to move.
Dax swore behind me, but the snow crunched as he followed.
I swallowed my small sigh of relief. One wrong gesture could be interpreted as an act of aggression.
Or maybe I needed to be more aggressive to win their respect?
I could only guess at the rules, painfully aware that this could end very, very badly.
Up ahead, the troll I’d healed in the forest stepped forward, following its own leader. He was just as large, but its limbs were tighter, longer. It could move faster. A scout, perhaps–which explained why in Xamor’s name it was even near the city in the first place.
The wind blew harder, as if trying to shove me away from this path.
I chanced a look behind me, gaze easily finding Vylkor’s. “If they attack me, you run back to the city. Don’t stop for anything.”
Vylkor opened his mouth, looking on the verge of arguing. But then he clenched his jaw and nodded.
Slowly, Dax and I drew dangerously near, until the troll was close enough that his large arm could swipe me into oblivion. His massive body cast a long shadow over me and I hated that I had to look up at him.
My heart galloped.
What now?
Neither of us moved.
The wind hissed.
My power simmered deep inside of me, as if telling me it was still there.
Slowly, not taking my eyes away from the troll’s, I lowered my dagger to the ground. Behind me, Dax made a gargled sound, but he knew better than to protest right now.
The seconds ticked by as I righted myself, muscles tense and ready to snap. The troll’s sharp gaze tracked my every movement.
Finally, it let its mace fall to the ground with a deafening thump.
Under my shocked gaze, it crouched and sat down, crossing its legs. It still towered over me.
I hesitated. Unarmed, if I sat down, I would be more vulnerable than standing. It had the upper hand based on sheer weight alone.
As if sensing my apprehension, the creature inclined its head.
I inhaled sharply. Every being in the world knew exposing their neck was dangerous. The trolls already knew our weapons could slice them.
I took the show of trust for what it was, and I sat down cross-legged. I stared up, every muscle in my body telling me to jump up and run.
