Page 63 of The Great Pursuit
“No course of action will be perfect,” Wyneth told her. “But I think you’re making the right decision in this. You’re showing Rozaria that you’re trying.”
She hoped her cousin was right.
“Aer,” Vixie said, “I think it’s time for that bath.”
Chapter
26
Chun had never had a keen sense of direction, and he was quite certain that he’d lost his way. In Toresta, the common direction was up the mountain or down the mountain—it wasn’t as difficult to discern as these flat stretches of Zorfina with its dry ground and patchy foliage. In a sickening moment, he wondered if the Lochlan men, Paxton and Harrison, had fooled him.
“I am hungry, Baba,” his daughter said in a weak voice, calling out from his wife’s lap on the next horse.
“I know, sweet one. We all are. I’m certain we’ll find a camp soon.” But that was a lie.
“I think I see something,” Chun’s brother said. They stopped and stared at the horizon. He was right. Threeblack-clad figures on horseback were headed straight for them at a quick pace, sending up plumes of dust in their wake.
Chun’s heart raced. They hadn’t encountered a single soul on their journey. What if these were outlaws? More evil Lashed? Or simply haters of foreigners? Chun held an arm out to his wife and waved her back.
“Get behind me.”
His wife quickly obeyed, turning her horse, but when she faced the opposite direction she and his daughter let out screams. Chun turned to see three more figures draped in black on sleek horses, all with bows and arrows aimed at them and definitely within shooting range.
Chun shuddered and told his family, “Raise your hands in peace.” His wife, daughter, brother, and two nephews did as told. The figures slowly advanced as the other three rode up from the side.
“Torestan,jes?” one of the riders called to them. A woman.
Chun nodded and sputtered in universal Euronan, “Yes. We are peaceful.”
The people circled them, and Chun couldn’t help but take in their feminine figures, in such contrast to the male warriors in Toresta. Their hair and faces were covered in black cloth, showing only their striking, light eyes. These were them, the Zandalee. He remembered three of them from the day they’d ridden in with Paxton. He let out a ragged breath.
“I recognize you from the camp in Kalor,” the woman said. Chun nodded.
“We have been seeking you,” he said bravely.
Several of the women made hissing sounds that prickled the hairs on his neck.
“Why?” asked the same woman who’d spoken before.
“T-two men . . .” Chun swallowed. “Two Lochlan men, Lieutenant Harrison Gillfin and your traveling fellow, Paxton Seabolt, they sent me. The camp you saw—it is run by the one who creates the beasts and plans to attach Lochlanach. We came to warn you and seek refuge.”
The woman’s eyes enlarged. She turned to the other riders and spoke to them in Zorfinan, translating. Several murmured the namesHarrisonandPaxton. The woman looked at Chun. “How do I know you are not lying? That you are not on her side?”
He outwardly shook now. Their bows gleamed wickedly. “Paxton . . . he said he hunted with you, and that . . .” His cheeks warmed at this next part of the message; would they be angry? “And that if you give us refuge, Paxton will reward you by serving Tiern Seabolt to your sisters on a platter.”
The woman stared a moment and then threw her head back in laughter. She turned her head to translate and the women all laughed, slapping their legs and commenting to one another in Zorfinan. Chun exhaled once again.
“You are Lashed?” she asked.
“I am. And one of my nephews. The rest of my family is not.” Once again he swallowed, trying desperately to wet his dry mouth. “Please. Please do not hurt the children.”
The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Did Paxton fail to tell you that we are not monsters?”
“No. No, I’m very sorry. I meant no offense. I speak foolishly when I’m afraid.”
The woman moved closer. “Why did you leave the Rocato woman’s camp?”
“Sh-she wanted us to kill people. To prove we’re loyal. I could not. And Paxton wanted you to know that he believes Prince Vito is working with her. He fears they may soon attack Lochlanach.”
