Mist's Edge (The Broken Lands #2) - T.A. White Page 0,78

ice sheets marched back and forth across the land as the seasons changed.

“Reece.” Her face was stricken.

It couldn’t be. He was never assigned this far south, as he said the Lowlands were much too tame for the type of work he liked. No, they never would have sent him here.

His pale blue eyes flashed at her, and he gave her a mocking look, taking in the brooding warlord at her side. He cocked his head at her and shook his head.

“Warlord, Lady,” Eckbert nodded to each of them respectfully. “May I present a traveler who came to us last night and requested an audience with your esteemed selves.”

“And just who is this traveler?” Fallon asked, his voice a lazy whip. He was in warlord mode, his face a mask that said he could crush this entire tree without breaking a sweat.

“Pathfinder Reece, at your service.” Even with the half bow, Reece managed to put a world of disdain and attitude into that statement.

“Pathfinder.” Fallon’s words were like a stone thrown into still water, bringing the focus of the entire gathering down on them.

The circle of Anateri tightened around the three of them. The two village elders had the sense to look uneasy at being between the Anateri and the stranger in their midst.

Reece rose from his mocking bow. “Indeed, much as your lovely companion there once was.”

Fallon didn’t take his eyes off the other man. Nonetheless, Shea knew what he was waiting for. “He’s not lying. He is a pathfinder.”

“What are you doing here, pathfinder?”

Reece cocked one eyebrow. “It seems you didn’t respond to my note, so I was forced to take matters into my own hands.”

The smile that broke across Fallon’s face was the stuff of nightmares. It was victory and retribution all at once. Reece blanched, looking for a moment like he finally realized the extent of the predicament he was in.

“And are you the same person who left that note on our pillow?” Fallon’s voice was silky. He didn’t move but the space suddenly seemed a lot more cramped.

He didn’t wait for the other man’s assent, springing forward before anyone could react and grabbing Reece by the collar of his shirt. Fallon lifted him half off the ground and shook him. “I need to pay you in kind for that little stunt.”

“Call off your brute, Shea.” Reece glared at Fallon.

“He doesn’t answer to me.”

Reece sneered. “Then what good is he?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I can think of a few things.” Shea’s voice was bored, as if what was taking place in front of her didn’t affect her in the least. That was a lie. Her insides twisted and turned as if she’d swallowed a swarm of snakes.

“I never figured you for the type who was distracted by what was between your legs,” Reece said. “He is handsome, I’ll give you that, but you would have done better with someone a little less in touch with their inner barbarian. Someone more amenable to being led around by his nose.”

The words stung, but Shea didn’t let it show. Reece was the type to key onto what bothered you and then poke and poke until you snapped. Smart man that he was, he usually managed to escape the resulting blast. He’d done similar things to her growing up, while they were mentored under the same pathfinder.

Fallon bared his teeth and lifted Reece higher. The smaller man grimaced and tried to wiggle free. Fallon’s grip didn’t budge.

“I wouldn’t antagonize him if I were you,” Shea told Reece. “I’m not lying when I say he doesn’t answer to me. He can and will snap your neck if it suits him.”

He tossed him at Caden. “Take him into custody. No one is to interrogate him until I get there.”

“Understood.” Caden pulled Reece’s arms behind him and slipped a tie around his wrists, binding him so he couldn’t attack. Shea wanted to point out that Reece would need his arms for the descent to the encampment but kept quiet. They would figure that out themselves soon enough.

Fallon aimed a fierce frown at Eckbert and Ilyra. “Would either of you like to tell me why you provided shelter to one of my enemies?”

“Yes, I would be interested to know that as well,” Van said, his voice gleeful. His look had the anticipation of a predator scenting blood. “I say we skip the explanations and you let me take care of this matter.”

Ilyra blanched ever so slightly and Eckbert drew himself up as tall as his