“Yes. She told me it was urgent.”
“Let her enter, Fish Hawk.”
The curtain was drawn back, and she ducked under it. Her red doehide war shirt looked faintly orange in the dim glow of the fire. She wore her long hair loose about her shoulders. The style made her seem more frail—an illusion he dared not fall prey to.
He gestured to one of the hides on the other side of the fire. “Sit. May I get you a cup of tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“What may I do for you?”
“You may set me and my warriors free.”
“Try as I might, I can’t quite talk myself into believing that’s a good idea.” He paused. “Assuming, that is, that they wish to continue attacks on my people.”
She walked over and stood beside him as he dipped the cup. He gave her a sidelong look. In the fire’s gleam, her tightly clenched fists shone starkly white. He examined her more closely. She was fighting to keep her breathing even, but it wasn’t working. His brows lowered. Either the stakes were uncommonly high—or she wasn’t particularly practiced at this. Maybe both. Was she covering for someone? Kakala? A moment of panic set his heart to racing.
He stood and handed her the cup, noting with interest how long she allowed their fingers to touch before taking it. The touch sent a small tingle through him; just as she’d intended. Interesting.
“Did you decide not to sit down?” he asked.
“I think I’ll stand.”
He eyed her speculatively as he sipped his tea. “What can I help you with?”
“The tension among my people is growing. Fights are breaking out over nothing. Just moments ago one warrior was very tempted to choke another to death.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “And I should think that’s a bad idea?”
“Nevertheless—”
“I suppose I could climb down and give them a lecture on the intricacy of good manners while awaiting the inevitable.”
“I think …” She paused. “That might make things worse.”
He nodded amiably. “What do you suggest we do about it?”
She gave him an uncertain glance. Were his suspicions that plain? Or was she just uncomfortable with the role of trickster? Lifting her cup, she finished it to the last drop, and handed it to him for a refill.
He dipped another for her. “Is this discussion difficult for you?”
“Not yet.”
“Do you expect it to be?”
“I don’t know.”
“Really? I’m disappointed.”
“Disappointed?” She gave him an irritated look that he thought completely charming.
“You’re a warrior. You should have had your strategy worked out before you came in.”
She fixed him with a penetrating but uneasy stare. “What do you mean?”
He shook his head and tossed more branches onto the fire, stalling; giving her time to stew.
Silence stretched; she started to fidget.
He relented. “Tell me something? How distracted am I supposed to be? Enough to forget myself completely?” He brazenly looked her up and down. “I hope you’re not counting on my sense of honor.”
“I’ve already heard about your honor when it comes to women.” Her cheeks turned a rosy hue. She exhaled haltingly and ran a nervous hand through her hair.
My honor when it comes to women? He smiled. Goodeagle, working his poison!
“I think you are one of the most attractive and capable women I have ever known, Keresa, but don’t count on me losing my senses just because I find you fascinating.”
“Counting on you in any manner seems risky.”
He scrutinized her unmercifully. She stood quietly, staring into her tea cup, as though vaguely embarrassed.
“Do you wish to tell me what we’re really discussing?”
“Not particularly.”
“Then why don’t you let me start?” He took three steps to stand directly in front of her. “Let’s discuss how Kakala is plotting to escape.”
“We’ve tried. It’s impossible. We can’t—”
“No good war chief ever gives up. And my old adversary is a very good war chief.”
She opened her mouth to say something, then thought better of it. He took the opportunity to refill his cup. As he straightened again, he ordered, “Sit down, Deputy. It’s not working.”
She stood defiantly for a moment, then knelt across the fire, eyes sharp as if to see into his soul. “If it’s not working, why don’t you throw me out?”
He grinned. “I like you.”
“Is that supposed to ease my tension?”
“Not particularly.” Toying with his tea, he asked, “So Kakala’s finally decided he needs Goodeagle’s knowledge?”