The Wind's Call (The Broken Lands #4) - T.A. White Page 0,26
the process as the mythological tried to protect his meal.
Sensing they were seconds from challenging each other, Eva shoved and pushed them away. "I'll cut off both your manes and tails if you don't quit that right now."
Both equines looked at Eva with similarly offended expressions, as if they didn't understand what had so upset her. She glared back, her chest heaving.
Only a few small pieces of meat remained on the paper.
The Tenrin threw his head back as a laugh roared from his chest. "This was worth being summoned for."
Without taking his gaze off her, the winged horse stretched his neck, his lips moving slowly as he took one of the pieces and swallowed it. Then his tongue flashed out to lick the remains off the package Eva held.
Seeing his preoccupation, Caia jostled him.
"You two are horrible, horrible creatures. No manners, either of you," Eva scolded, feeling slightly embarrassed the Tenrin had witnessed that exchange.
It was one thing to scold and bully when it was just her and the mythological horse, but to have one of his brethren see and be amused by it? She was glad he hadn't taken offense.
Two Anateri appeared on either side of the mythological. A man and a woman. They were fierce-looking warriors, who’d appeared as quietly as ghosts.
Her hands clutched the paper as the wingless mythological gave them a long look, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I see my escorts have finally decided to announce themselves."
The Tenrin glanced in the direction of the main camp as the thunder of hoofbeats reached them. "There’s your fearless leader now."
Caden rode toward them. Despite the reserved expression on his face, Eva could read the anger burning white-hot behind his eyes.
"Fear not, little mouse. His ire is reserved for me and me alone," the strange mythological said, coming to stand beside her.
He reached out and ran his hand down the winged horse's neck, waiting as Caden dismounted from his horse in the same way Ollie had. The commander strode toward them, his expression a mask of calm.
"Lord Ajari, we expected you at the Keep," Caden said.
"I'm sure you did, which is why I stopped here first. I wanted to get to the truth behind my summoning without having to decipher all your hidden motives. I'm glad I did. It has been a most illuminating morning."
Caden's eyes narrowed as he studied the mythological.
"Sebastian here, has told me a little of the events that have transpired. I suspect your Warlord and Battle Queen will be interested in his news."
Caden stepped aside and gestured toward the Keep. "My people and I will accompany you, then."
"What's the matter, human? Do you not trust me?"
"Not even as far as I can throw you."
"Then you are very wise." Ajari paused and considered Eva. "Your presence will be required as well."
Eva looked between the two men, trying to keep the look of horror off her face. "I don't think—"
"She has no need to be there," Caden said at the same time.
"She has every reason," Ajari countered. "There are things happening you have no hope of understanding. Her importance to the topic at hand cannot be dismissed."
Eva fought to remain still as all eyes turned toward her. Uncertainty filled her. She wanted a simple life filled with certainty—safety and boredom, because they went hand in hand.
This had all the hallmarks of excitement and danger. Two things she’d gone out of her way to avoid.
"I should really stay here to look after Sebastian," she started.
"I can do it," Jason volunteered, raising his hand.
Both Caden and Eva sent him equally disbelieving looks.
Jason was impervious, either not noticing or not caring. "What? I'm her apprentice. I'm perfectly qualified."
"Doubtful," Ajari said.
"You're not my apprentice. You're shadowing me while Hardwick and Ollie assess your skills," Eva corrected.
"The mythological isn’t a horse," Ollie pointed out. "No one is qualified because none of us have cared for his kind before."
"All the more reason to let me do it. She shouldn't get all the recognition just because she found him first," Jason argued.
Ollie gave Eva a commiserating look. "Go, I'll keep an eye on the newbie."
Eva still didn't like this, but it seemed there was little choice for now. She fixed Jason with a hard look. Even though she found him annoying, he had brought the mythological breakfast. As begrudgingly as possible, she said, "Thank you for bringing his food."