Page 33 of Lucie
“With the virus?”
She bowed her head. “I can’t differentiate what’s making them sick. It could be the madness disease, or it could be something else.”
“Sadly, I haveto admit we may have turned away someone who was legitimately in need of medical attention,”Hobronadmitted. “Someone we might have been able to save. But we couldn’t take the chance.”
“How did you find out about the disease in the first place?”Yulenasked.
The councilman pointed at the huntress. “Johnaand a couple other hunters were out looking for game. They cameacross some Normal merchants on the road. She could tell something was different about them, and they approached the caravan with caution. The merchants tried to defend themselves, butJohnawas able to assure them they weren’t in any danger. That’s when they told her about the disease that was causingMutahto turn rabid.”
Lucien gestured toJohna’scrude spear. “You manage to findgameanddefend yourself with that thing? You’re a stronger woman than I first gave you credit for.” It was meant to be halfway teasing, halfway serious. Although he couldn’t tell from the firelight, he got the impression she blushed from the compliment.
“So, let me get this straight. Your compound was attacked by a man claiming to be me. After you managed to escape, you’ve beentraveling all this time to seek sanctuary in AltaNovis?”
“That, and to let you know about the imposter,”Hobronadmitted.
“Dad, word needs to be sent to all yourMutahcompound holdings about this faker,” Lucien address his father. “They need to be warned as soon as possible.”
Yulenplaced his fist to his lips as if contemplating, but Lucien knew better.He recognized that look, and knew what caused it. His parents had an uncanny ability to communicate with each other over great distances. At the same time, he sensed his mother’s approach from the top of the ridge. Getting to his feet, he turned to await her descent. At the same time, the others realized someone was making their way down the slope, and lifted their weapons in anticipation.Yulenwaved a hand at them.
“There’s no need for panic. It’s only my wife, returning from her exploratory mission.”
Attyfinally appeared, along with Echo andMastin. She cast a cursory glance at those gathered around fire before taking a stance next to her husband. The otherMutahstood and stared in silent awe at the woman they’d heard so much about. Even in the firelight,her deep blue hair was unmistakable, as was the expression of concern on her face.
“We have a problem,” she addressed her husband, foregoing asking about the others for the moment.
Yulengave a nod, responding before she could go any further. “We have more than one problem,” he noted. “There’s a man out there claiming to be me, and he’s making it his mission to killas manyMutahas he can in my name. What is it thatyouencountered?”
She momentarily blinked in partial disbelief at him. “Whiterockappears to be overrun with the virus. In addition, they’ve erected a blockade across the road to prevent anyone from going past it.”
“It seems we have two problems for the price of one,” Lucien quipped sarcastically.
Thebattle lord sighed loudly. “Why am I not surprised?”
