Page 17 of On a Barbarian World

“Exactly. We help keep the travelers secure⁠—”

“Your brothers provide protection.”

“Yes. And my job is to go ahead, to identify any problems or dangers, and search for suitable planets where we can stop.”

“You’re a scout.”

She smiled. “I am.”

“Our caravans have scouts.” Something moved in his eyes. “Not many women are scouts.”

She wrinkled her nose. “This is my surprised face.”

When he stared at her, clearly not getting her joke, she waved a hand. “Anyway, I’m good at finding things. I can help you find this sword.”

His amber gaze sharpened now. “I have my best warriors and scholars searching for Durendal. What makes you think you could be successful?”

“Like I said, I’m good at these sort of things. And besides, maybe you need a fresh set of eyes. If any of my things survived the crash⁠—”

“Some things did. I have them here.”

Her heart leaped into her throat. “Could I see⁠—?”

“No. It is my job to protect my people. I cannot let you have your technology.”

Her shoulders slumped.

His hard face turned thoughtful. “You would help me find the sword, and in return, I take you to your ship?”

“That’s the deal.”

“Then I also want you to share any knowledge you have that would help my people…with healing, farming, or mining.”

Her pulse spiked. “You have mines?”

“Many.”

“Okay, then, barbarian, I’ll help any way I can.”

He crossed his arms, studying her. “No woman has ever tried to bribe me with her brain before.”

She rolled her eyes. “This is my surprised face again.”

“I know you are making a joke.”

She held back a smile. “So? Do we have a deal?”

He stood, towering over her. All that smooth, bronze skin inches from her nose.

“I am in a good mood this morning, skyflyer. We have a deal.”

“Yes!” Aurina punched a fist into the air.

Large, firm hands gripped her arms. “We have a tradition here…to formally conclude a deal.”

As he reeled her closer, she felt the warmth pouring off him. No wonder he didn’t need a shirt. The guy ran hotter than the Ariel’s engines. “Oh?”

“There are a few ways to signal that we both agree. A warrior’s shake, an elder’s clasp, or…a kiss.”