Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles #1) - T.A. White Page 0,61
us," Graydon said before Roderick could relax. "They wanted to ensure their friend was settled and to provide a reminder of home in this difficult time."
Kira fought her smile as Graydon made the same argument Kira had moments before, insinuating the child would be extremely troubled so far from the comforts and people of home. It seemed she wasn't the only one who found Roderick obnoxious.
She never would have guessed how irritated Graydon had been with the Curs’ presence if she hadn't seen his expression when they first came on board.
The lines on Roderick's face deepened, ire showing as he spat several sentences in his native language. Graydon responded in kind.
Kira wished she knew what was being said.
"You getting anything interesting?" Kira asked Jin, still in Japanese.
On her end, she was catching every other word. She'd made an effort to study the Tuann language during the journey from O'Riley to Ta Da'an. She'd made some progress given she was a quick learner with a knack for languages. To date, she could speak four and read six if you counted binary code.
Jin was even better than Kira at picking up new languages. A fact she attributed to his processing power and people ignoring him because they thought he was only a machine.
"Something about how the humans shouldn't be here. He had no right to bring them into their House," Jin said. He paused for a moment. "He's now saying the Luatha will hold Graydon responsible if anything should happen."
"I'd like to know why they hate humans so much," Kira said, not taking her eyes from the two men.
Himoto had explained some of the reasons for the strained relations, but that couldn't be all of it. There had to be more to the story.
Another question she should have asked Himoto before accepting this assignment.
Kira fell silent, becoming aware of the Luatha looking her over, their thoughts and conclusions hard to read on their inexpressive faces.
"Fine, you win. I don't care what you do with the humans as long as they don't get in our way," Roderick spat. He stabbed a finger at Kira. "She will stay with us. The humans stay with you."
Graydon spared Kira a glance before giving Roderick an abrupt nod.
Roderick grimaced, looking no happier about winning the skirmish before barking several abrupt words at his people. He stalked away.
Graydon waited until Kira stopped next to him, keeping an eye on their not so thrilled escort. His expression remained carefully neutral, though if Kira had to hazard a guess, he wasn't entirely happy with the turn of events.
"Charming bunch you're saddling me with," she said.
Graydon made a small sound of agreement. "They're the oshota for Luatha House. The safety of their House and all those who fall under it are their first priority. You and your friends challenge their purpose."
"Me? A child? I am a threat?" Kira touched her chest in feigned shock. She dropped the pretenses, turning serious. "How insecure."
"Even a child can kill, given the right circumstances," Graydon said mildly.
The emotion left Kira's face. "Yes, yes they can."
She had firsthand experience with that fact. She was just surprised Graydon understood.
His gaze was sharp and piercing, a question lingering in his eyes. Like the smart man he was, he stayed silent, not voicing it. Now wasn't the time or place.
"And as you made so clear from our first meeting, you're not exactly a child," Graydon said wryly.
Kira's sidelong look was sly.
"You would be smart to let them think what they will," Graydon said, raising both eyebrows.
Kira's paused, understanding the warning.
"That's a mighty fine cape he had. Very spiffy," she said, changing the subject. She gave Graydon a once over, taking in the defined muscles even his armor couldn't fully hide. "Why don't you have one like that?"
Graydon's lip curled. "His cape is ridiculous. An opponent can grab it and strangle him with it. No other weapons necessary."
Kira tried to choke back the laugh trying to escape. She was fighting a losing battle, his incredulous expression at her comment too funny to resist.
Graydon watched her with a frown, his jaw ticking.
Kira managed to compose herself, saying with a semi-straight face, "But you would look so dashing."
"All the girls would worship at your feet," Jin assured him.
Graydon's face turned slightly disgusted as he shook his head. He strode off, saying over his shoulder, "Come. Roderick won't be patient long."
"I would like to see him in a cape as well," Amila murmured in an undertone to Kira.