Mist's Edge (The Broken Lands #2) - T.A. White Page 0,49

they were bolder than they would have been if there had been just one or two. “Curse it, I’m not a damn toy. Let me go.”

By now Fallon and the other two guards were laughing outright at Caden’s struggles as the rest of them continued past.

“We should run. He’s going to be angry when he finally gets free.” Fallon grabbed Shea’s hand and took off. She followed, her unrestrained giggles making it difficult to keep up. Her humor in the situation lasted almost the entire trip down the tree.

*

Caden’s molesting by the village women and the clear unease of the Anateri as they began their descent down the tree—something only possible through the use of ropes and flimsy ladders—lifted Shea’s mood. Seeing hardened warriors pale-faced and wide-eyed when it came time to step out into nothing with only the promise of a sturdy rope in your hands to keep you from falling went a long way to restoring some of her dignity.

As soon as they set foot in camp again, Fallon withdrew, projecting the fierce warlord again. She hadn’t realized how relaxed he’d become in her presence until now. Shea knew it was inevitable. He’d been easy-going and comfortable on the trip down, but as they got closer she could tell he was mentally drawing on the mantle of his station. It was enough that he’d been willing to have their brief interlude.

They hadn’t even reached their tent when the new general approached, his eyes flicking to Shea and then away in dismissal.

“Fallon, I’ve been looking for you all morning.”

Fallon stopped, turning his attention to his general. Shea continued on. She had no interest in getting caught in their conversation. She had many things to think on. Though their climb down had been pleasant, it did nothing to solve any of the many problems they faced. She needed to reassess—figure out how she felt about things. Listening to the general, a man who clearly had no respect for her, would not make that an easy task.

“Shea, a minute, if you please,” Fallon said to her back.

Shea turned and looked at him, her eyebrow raising in question. He had a pleased expression on his face, like a smug feline. Her eyes narrowed on him. She didn’t like when he got that expression on his face. It usually meant he was going to convince her to do something she definitely didn’t want to do.

“Braden had a few questions about the beast board instituted by the Horse clan. He’d like to see if it’s feasible to implement such a board throughout the rest of the army.”

Braden’s face was neutral as he looked from Fallon to Shea, but Shea got the feeling that he was impatient over having Fallon’s focus split—that he’d have preferred if Fallon hadn’t called her back. It was a feeling Shea reciprocated.

“Yes, I had heard mention that some of the other clans might be interested in replicating what Clark and Charles created.”

“Why don’t you show him the board and discuss how it’s helped reduce casualties for the Wind Division?” Fallon’s face made it clear that wasn’t really a question.

Shea fixed him with an expression that warned him just how much she disliked this idea. She’d like nothing more than to not spend any extra time in the general’s company. He’d already made his distaste of her clear. She was perfectly happy to steer clear of him for as long as it took for him to head out to his next assignment.

“I’m sure your Telroi has much better things to do than accompany me to the Wind Division’s tents,” Braden protested. “I’d hoped to speak to the creators and get more information on their methods. I’ve no doubt she would find such matters tedious and time-consuming.”

Shea restrained her snort, seeing no reason to stop him as his objection helped serve her own purposes, even if he had just cast her as some dimwit unable to pay attention. This, after she had rescued his ass from the mist.

“There you have it. I’m sure the general will be able to get on without me.” Shea gave them both a wide smile, prepared to excuse herself.

“Not so fast.” Fallon’s words had Shea heaving an internal sigh. She tried to tell him with her eyes to leave it, that she had better things to do even if she didn’t know what those things were. “Shea would be the perfect companion since she helped create it and would know more about it and its beasts than