“I don’t mean to offend,” he said, raising his hand to touch her dark hair. She grabbed his wrist and squeezed it.
“Don’t touch me,” she said through clenched teeth. “Get away from me,” she added, shoving his arm away.
“I’ll mate with you,” one of the Mountain Clan women said. “Come on, Sal.”
Sal smiled at the woman and turned back to Essa. “Looks like you’re going to miss out,” he said before taking the other woman’s hand. They ascended into the trees together, while Essa remained focused on her blade.
Reylin, who had not overheard any of the conversation, took a seat next to Essa.
“Why are men always so preoccupied with mating?” she asked, obviously annoyed.
“All I did was sit down!” Reylin replied in a surprised tone.
Essa shook her head.
“Anyway,” Reylin began, “I wanted to ask your opinion on what to do next. I think we should give the rune carver time to work on everyone’s weapons. After that we can resume the fight.”
“That’s a good idea,” Essa replied. “It was a nice surprise that the Mountain Clan had a rune carver. Still, he is only one man. The work could take a long time, and I hate to sit idle.”
“We could watch the road for travelers in the meantime. Maybe Reylana will return soon with the Sycamore Clan’s rune carver.”
“They could all be dead, for all we know.” Essa put her blade back in its leather scabbard. “But I hope not. It’s a long journey. I think we should move to a more central location where all of the clans can meet if they decide to join us.”
“I agree,” Reylin said. “We should make sure there are patrols near the border at all times, though. We don’t want to be taken by surprise, even if we all join together. The next strike should be ours.”
Essa nodded in agreement. “What are you planning for the princess?”
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “They probably know by now that we have her, but I don’t know if they care. She’s just one girl after all.”
“Yes, but she is a very rich girl,” Essa replied. “I think they will come looking for her. Ra’jhou might even send an entire army to find her. Are you prepared to fight both kingdoms?”
“I suppose if we have to,” he said. “Maybe we could bargain her freedom for their help against Na’zora.”
“They would certainly be a welcome addition to our army,” she replied. “I think she likes you. Maybe you should see what she knows about her kingdom’s politics.”
“I’m not so sure she wants to be my friend,” he began, “but I can try.” He stood and approached the campfire where Lisalla and Danna were sitting quietly.
Lisalla nodded as he approached. Danna’s eyes grew wide, and she stared at the ground. “Why does this one recoil when I approach?” he asked, gesturing to Danna.
“She’s frightened,” Lisalla replied.
“Has she no voice of her own?”
Danna began to sob, burying her face in her hands. Reylin shook his head in disbelief. “She is a coward and a disgrace,” he said.
“She isn’t accustomed to being a hostage or going along on forced marches!” Lisalla protested. “You could have a little compassion.”
“It would be compassion to put her out of her misery. Would you like that?”
Lisalla’s mouth clamped shut, and she gave no reply.
“I’ve come to ask you about your father, the king. If we release you to him, will he fight on our side against Na’zora?”
“My father does as he pleases. I cannot say what he would give for my safe return.” After a moment, she added, “You could send Danna with the message. It can’t hurt to try.”
Danna paused in her sobbing to look at Lisalla. She glanced at Reylin and then back to the princess. “Please let Lisalla go home,” she begged.
“Go back to your bawling,” Reylin commanded.
“My father has agreed to help Na’zora. That was the price of my dowry.”
“I see,” Reylin says. “Was he gathering an army to march against us?”
“No,” she replied. “I don’t think he truly intended to fight. He just wanted me married and gone.”
Reylin laughed. “The joys of being a princess, I suppose.”
“He might pay you for my return, but I do not know if he will go to war. There has not been a war in Ra’jhou during my lifetime. My father is no war leader.”
“So what you’re saying is it’s hopeless to ask.”
“I’m trying to answer you truthfully. I do not know how my father will react.” The princess looked in Reylin’s eyes as she spoke. She never glanced away, hoping to convince him of her honesty. Earning his respect may very well be the key to saving her life, and she intended to have it.