“Before breakfast?” I tilted my head and smirked.
He gave a loud, bold laugh. “Cheeky one. I’ll have something brought out to you. Today will be tiring. You’ll need your strength.”
Great. I stuck my head back in the shack and told the other women to meet me outside, then headed to the one next door and knocked. A shirtless Fawke answered. My mouth dried up at the sight of muscles and a wide array of scars across his chest.
“No sense sleeping fully clothed with no threat of Malignants.” He grinned.
“Right. Uh. Our testing is about to begin. You and the others are to line up outside the shack next door.” I whirled and rushed away before I made a fool of myself.
Breakfast was bread smeared with a tasty nut butter similar to our treat dropped by Soriah. I narrowed my eyes, wondering whether this had come from the supplies Jenkins had confiscated. I shrugged. Food was food.
When we’d finished, Jenkins, flanked by Lloyd and another man I didn’t know, stood in front of us. “Ready, Miss Dayholt?”
I glanced at my group. “I guess so.” Hard to answer when I didn’t know what would be required of us.”
“As your group’s leader, the questions will be asked of you. It is up to you to determine the fate of your people.” Instead of the friendly demeanor of this morning, Jenkins’s face now looked carved from stone. “The others will not answer. They will not speak. If they do, they are forfeited. Understand?”
Everyone nodded. A muscle ticked in Fawke’s jaw signaling his displeasure.
“We understand.” I stood as straight as I could and met his gaze.
“How many under your command have you lost?”
“Two. To Malignants.”
“Have you allowed others into your group that were not sent by Soriah?”
“Yes. Two scavengers we captured.” I motioned to Lars and Dayton. “We don’t kill valuable people.”
His eyes flashed. “Go down the line and tell me the value of each of your people and why I should allow them to stay.”
Questions weren’t so bad. I could do this all day. “Fawke is our best fighter and calm during a battle. Plus, he’s young. Dante is strong as an ox and good at repairs. Gage is of breeding age and a good fighter. Moses is a good fighter with a good head on his shoulders. A sharp wit. Ezra has been here for a very long time and knows how to survive, not to mention his skill with a sword. Kira is young enough to bear children and is handy with injuries. Jolt is young and strong, getting better at fighting every day. Lars and Dayton, former scavengers, know the city inside and out. Riva, Samson, Jep, Lotus, and Zed are all survivors, strong, quick thinkers, and obedient. Ted and Ned are the newest members of our group, but learning fast.”
“And you, Miss Dayholt? What is your worth?”
I swallowed against the boulder building in my throat. “I’ve kept these people alive long enough to find you.”
His features relaxed as he laughed. “Not to mention humorous, beautiful, of child-bearing age, and I would guess you’re rather tough for such a small girl.”
“Stronger than I look. Anything else?”
“Each of you will have to fight to the death. I’ve brought my best fighters.”
I blinked, trying desperately to find a way to keep people from dying. “No.”
His brows rose. “Excuse me?”
Fawke elbowed me and hissed.
Ignoring him, I stepped out of line. “Give me my sword and a knife. I’ll get into that ring with your best fighter. Win or lose, my people are free to stay here or return to the city.” I thrust out my hand. “Why lose lives?”
His smile faded, her expression stern again. After staring at my hand for several tense seconds, he gave it a shake. “I’ll miss you, little one. You have five minutes to say goodbye to your people.”
Nodding, I turned and met the startled faces of my friends. “Well.”
“What are you doing?” Fawke grabbed me by the shoulders. “You know I’m the best fighter we have. Why?”
“Because I’m the leader. Don’t assume I’ll lose, Fawke. You know I’m good and fast with my sword. My size can be an advantage.”
“Like I always said, balls as big as buildings, this one.” Ezra clapped me on the back. “If you die, I’ll kill the one you fought. That’s a promise.”
“Then I won’t lose, because that would mean your death.” My chin quivered. “All of you mean too much to me for me to let any of you do this.” My gaze locked back on Fawke. “Especially you. Don’t you see why I’m doing this?”
“Let me go. Please.” His voice shook.
“The deal has been made. Any tips are welcome.” I forced a smile.
“Stay low,” Ezra said. “Distract with the sword, but jab with the knife.”
“Run circles around the guy,” Jolt suggested. “Tire him out.”
“Don’t die.” Fawke grabbed me in a hug. “You don’t need our ridiculous tips. You need the grace of the Supreme Being.”
I couldn’t breathe, he held me so tight. My arms snaked around his waist. I took a deep breath of his scent and stepped back. “I can do this.” I gave a definitive nod and headed for the arena.
Lloyd held out a sword.
“I want my sword and Fawke’s knife.” I needed a weapon my hands knew and having something of Fawke’s with me would give me strength.
He marched off, scowling, and returned with the items I requested. “Good luck.” He stepped into the ring.
I grinned, stopping at a patch of mud. I dipped my fingers in and smeared the mud on my cheeks before climbing under the ropes. The stripes were my badge of leadership. I wouldn’t fight without them. “This is fitting. I look
