They were sitting around the campfire, on guard against animals and monsters, but what comes from the forest is very different. Maybe the intruders take a couple of hostages to force the others to leave the camp.
“Which means this doesn’t fall under the princess’s area of expertise.” Cedany turns to Alianor. “It falls under yours.”
Alianor’s gaze cools. “What does that mean?”
“That these people have been attacked by bandits. Your clan.”
“Are you saying my clan—?” Alianor begins.
“No one is accusing Clan Bellamy of this,” I say quickly. “However, Cedany has a point. You would know more about this sort of thing than we do.”
“This sort of thing?” Alianor enunciates each word, her gaze locked on mine. “Is this what you think we do, Rowan? Fall on innocent travelers and march them away at knifepoint? Yes, we have been known to relieve travelers of their belongings when they fail to pay us—”
“Is that what you call it?” Cedany says.
“Stop, Alianor,” Dain says. “We’re tired of hearing you defend your clan. If Rowan doesn’t argue with your excuses, it’s because she doesn’t want to argue with you. You’re her friend. She doesn’t want to insult your family. But this?” He waves at the camp. “People are missing. You can’t keep pretending your clan aren’t bandits.”
I want to leap to her defense. To soften the blow. My breath comes quicker as I watch her gaze swing my way, and it’s like there’s a wall hovering over the space between us. Say the wrong thing—or fail to say the right thing—and that wall will slam down. I’ll lose a friend.
But sometimes, saying the right thing is actually the wrong thing, if it’s a lie meant to make someone feel better when they need to face the truth. Or when it’s a leader who treats someone differently because they’re a friend.
“I…I’d like to speak to Alianor privately,” I say.
She crosses her arms. “No, Rowan. Whatever you have to say, say it right here. In front of everyone.”
I shift my weight and look around. Kaylein seems as if she wants to jump in and help. Wilmot’s face is blank. He’s staying out of this. Dain and Cedany watch me with guarded expressions, and I know if I say the wrong thing, they will judge me for it. They will judge my ability to lead.
“Clan Bellamy has overcharged travelers for guide service,” I say. “In the past, the clan was known for raiding and banditry, and so travelers presume part of that charge is for protection—that if they don’t pay it, they might be subject to thievery on their journey.” I look at Alianor. “Is that incorrect?”
Her jaw tightens. “It is not our fault if they believe that. The fact is that they pay the fee and we provide the service.”
“Or they don’t pay it, and they’re set on by bandits,” Cedany says.
Alianor spins on her. “We do not—”
“Then explain this,” Cedany says. She tugs down the collar of her tunic and points to a small scar on her collarbone. “I have been keeping silent until now. I know all too well that we should not be held responsible for the actions of our families, so I would not have mentioned it. I received this the first time I crossed the mountains. Being from Havendale and not understanding the customs, my group hired a guide who wasn’t Clan Bellamy. We were stopped by your people, who demanded a toll for passing. My guide expected me to pay it. I refused. I was seventeen and very certain I was in the right. This forest belonged to the Queen of Tamarel. Those people were not collecting money on her behalf, therefore, I did not need to pay. One of the men held a knife to my throat, and when I remained stubborn, he gave me this.” She points at the scar. “Another in our party paid my toll. Otherwise, I’m quite certain I would not be here today.”
“No!” Alianor says. “That’s a lie.”
“Which part?” Cedany steps toward her. “Exactly which part is a lie, little girl?”
Alianor’s jaw stays tense, but there’s just the slightest wobble in it. When I step forward, Kaylein speaks before I can.
“You were right earlier, Cedany,” Kaylein says, her voice soft but firm. “Alianor isn’t responsible for her clan’s actions. I understand we need to consider all possibilities, but perhaps we can do it with less…vigor.”
While it’s a gentle rebuke, I still expect Cedany to defend herself. Like Alianor, she has a temper. Instead, Cedany’s pale skin reddens, and she mumbles something before withdrawing.
“It’s true that we sometimes demand tolls,” Alianor says. “We use the roads for travel and for guiding, and we keep them as safe as possible. It wouldn’t be fair to allow just anyone to benefit from our work.” She sneaks a glance my way. “But yes, our right to collect those tolls has been questioned by the queen, and my father has been negotiating the matter.”
Alianor looks at Cedany and straightens. “I would appreciate a description of those who injured you. My father allows his people to be firm in their requests, but he would draw the line at violence. I’m not doubting that you were hurt. I’m just saying it isn’t sanctioned. What upset me was the suggestion that my clan would have committed murder for an unpaid toll.”
“Yes,” Kaylein says, her voice still soft. “But Cedany felt as if her life was at risk. That’s what matters. She was threatened, and she believed the threat.”
Alianor dips her gaze. “I understand. But what happened here—a kidnapping—that wouldn’t be Clan Bellamy. We don’t take hostages.”
I clear my throat, just a little, and she flushes. “Fine,” she says. “But not like that. Not grabbing random travelers.”
“We have no way of knowing they were random,” Kaylein says. “The party may have included someone of importance. Or an enemy of your clan.”
“I still don’t think—” Alianor stops short and shakes her head. “All right. I cannot say beyond all doubt that
