Taim’s shocked expression resonated through Ōbhin’s mind.
“We can continue this conversation without witnesses around.” Ōbhin clutched to the bluster. The shame twisted through him mixed with the fear that propelled it. He owed it to Dualayn to protect his people. He’d made the decision to pick up that burden.
Ust snorted. “I’m not such a prideful man to think I can beat you fairly.”
“Move on from Kash.” Ōbhin took a step closer. “I doubt there are any witnesses when you’re staggering home from the Sword Arm Tavern.”
Ust leaned in. “Try not to look so pale when threatening death. You look on the verge of pissing your pants.”
“You’re the one who almost tripped himself to escape,” Ōbhin replied. “Leave Kash. Don’t you have honest men to rob?”
“Can’t.” Ust touched the blue armband around his arm. “Have to show my support for the king. Boss is a patriot. I’ll tell you what, I’ll even keep an eye out for Carstin’s body. Imagine the things that could be done with it.”
The words spilled ice down Ōbhin’s spine, the words so close to that dark bastard’s threat in the barn. Dje’awsa, with his obsidian rod and those hounds that reeked of death, filled Ōbhin’s thoughts. Jackals . . . Ust dug up Carstin’s body for that Black-blooded bastard.
“Do you really think you can protect them?” asked Ust.
“The Boss wants Dualayn protected,” growled Ōbhin.
Ust arched eyebrows. “I didn’t say that. I asked if you can protect them. You did great with Carstin.”
“Leave Kash,” Ōbhin growled.
“Why?” Ust asked, pushing away from the wall. “You showed me who you are. A coward.”
“You think I’m a coward?”
“Oh, you can fight. You can kill. I don’t doubt that, but when it’s really important, when things truly matter, you flee. You lack conviction. You flow where the river takes you instead of standing up against the flood.”
“Because I didn’t kill you right now?”
“Partly.” Ust spat to the side, splattering brown on the pavement. “You ran from your home after you killed that prince. Then you ran from that masked slattern. Once my business is done, I think I’ll look her up. For a few coins, a handful of glimmers, I can see if she’s worth it.”
Ōbhin’s hand drifted to his sword hilt.
Ust laughed and strode off. “Be seeing you, Ōbhin.”
*
“Come visit soon,” Deffona said, embracing Avena tight.
“I’ll try,” said Avena. The pair traded kisses on the cheek, tokens of friendship. “I promise.”
“And show me some of this fighting Ōbhin’s teaching you,” Deffona said as she broke away. “Maybe I can drub the eldest daughter over the head.”
“The rod would just break on her skull.”
Deffona sighed. “It would. Then she would calmly berate me for my inability to crack her head open before sending me to mop the surgery room.”
“It’ll get better,” Avena said, her hands taking Deffona’s and squeezing. “She’s just . . .”
“Battering me. I just . . . I wish I knew what I was doing wrong.”
“You’re doing nothing wrong.”
Deffona’s face twisted in frustration. “I have to return to my duties. Her unbreakable skull will be coming soon to yell at me. I have tasks to complete.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” A fierceness flashed over Deffona’s face. “I’d endure a thousand of her tongue lashes to speak with you.”
A warmth suffused Avena’s heart. Would Evane and I have had a relationship like this?
“Mmm, there he is,” Deffona said. “He is handsome. Lucky you.”
“Maybe it’s the ardor brimming in your heart that has the eldest berating you,” Avena said, turning to smile at Miguil as he stroked the nose of the carriage horse. “He is handsome. I can’t wait for us to marry.”
“No, no, Ōbhin,” said Deffona. “The man marches with purpose.”
Avena noted the Qothian marching into the yard. He’d been across the street. What was he doing outside the loading yard? He’s supposed to be protecting us, not going for a stroll! Was he meeting with a spy?
“No wonder you are so eager for training,” Deffona said.
“You need to keep your thoughts out of the privy,” Avena admonished. “The man is untrustworthy.”
“A bandit turned good! Your beauty must have inspired him onto the right trail.”
“The eldest needs to do a better job in finding those romance books you smuggle in. It was his friend dying that shook him out of the darkness and into Elohm’s light.” Not that he believes in Elohm, but the Creator of All believes in him. “He’s dangerous and knows the head of the Brotherhood.”
“Yes,” gushed Deffona. “Maybe he’ll duel Miguil for your love.”
“You are hopeless.” Avena sighed and broke away. “Elohm’s Colours brighten your life until we next meet.”
“And keep your soul polished,” Deffona added. “Enjoy your practices. At least write me.”
Avena nodded then marched up to Ōbhin. He reached the carriage. When his dark eyes met hers, he looked away immediately. She could read the guilt all over him. She wouldn’t let the Brotherhood harm Dualayn. He did so much good for the city, so it was a shame such low and disgusting people used him.
“Why did you leave the yard?” she asked. “Is there a problem?”
“Thought I saw something,” he said as he climbed up into the carriage seat.
The low rumble of thunder echoed in the background as Avena narrowed her eyes. “Like something on the blackberry hill? People watching us?”
“Maybe.” He leaned back, his eyes distant.
“Come along, child,” Dualayn called from the carriage. “Let’s not dawdle.”
The rumble of thunder returned, pausing her climb into the carriage. She stood on the step and looked up at the mostly blue skies, a few fluffy, light-gray clouds hanging above. “Strange.”
The rumble came again, only it wasn’t quite the growl of thunder. It
