The Wind's Call (The Broken Lands #4) - T.A. White Page 0,31
quiet for a long moment as he considered his words. "The Kyren have always had human companions. Before our long imprisonment, they would call specific companions to their side."
Fallon shifted, his eyes intent as he leaned forward, Shea motionless at his side.
"This connection is a treasured one. They communicate through my people because yours cannot hear their voice," Ajari said.
No one spoke as everyone waited with bated breath.
"There are a few humans, who with enough training, can be taught to listen and speak for them. They're rare, and the Kyren were not sure they would find one in this new age."
"But they have," Shea concluded. It wasn't a question but a statement of fact.
Ajari shrugged. "Who is to say. For now, the Kyren request you send the woman to them so they can decide for themselves her worth."
Shea leaned forward, her intent gaze landing piercingly on Eva. The expression on Fallon's face was considering as he surveyed the herd mistress.
Eva's knuckles were white as she clenched her hands together, showing the apprehension Caden had expected when he first swept her up to ride before him. He prepared to grab her, in case she tried to run. Instead, she surprised and impressed him by stepping toward those assembled.
"Why me?" she challenged.
Ajari's head turned as he regarded her for several heartbeats. "Why not you?"
"There are plenty of herd masters among the Trateri who are more experienced in working with horses than I am."
"They do not fit the Kyren's requirements. You do. They did not answer Sebastian's call. You did. They didn't stand at his side while two armed men threatened bodily harm. Again, only you did all that." The smile Ajari directed toward Eva appeared taunting.
Caden's eyes narrowed. The winged horse had told Ajari a lot in the short time they’d had. Enough so, that Caden detected a degree of respect for the woman in the mythological's manner.
Interesting—because Ajari and his people were nothing if not consistent. They tolerated humans, but Shea was the only one who was shown a modicum of respect.
Shea had impressed them during her time in the Badlands, but they were still withholding judgment on the rest of humanity. Perhaps one more human had managed to distinguish themselves in their eyes.
"If it's not you, it is no one," Ajari said with a finality they all felt.
Fallon shifted, drawing Caden's attention. The Warlord looked thoughtful.
Caden had enough history with his warlord to see the wheels turning. Plans and schemes were shifting and changing in his mind. He was already plotting how best to use this information for the Trateri and his own advantage.
Caden almost pitied the woman at his side. Whether she realized it or not, liked it or not, she had just become an important piece on the Warlord's game board.
"To be clear, if we do not send her, the Kyren will not ally with us?" Darius said.
"This is a test," Ajari stated. "They need your help. Fail them and you are correct—they will never ally themselves with you."
Caden knew how badly Fallon wanted the winged horses at his side. They would give the Trateri an advantage that couldn’t be overstated. Perhaps enough of one to build an empire that would stand a thousand years.
To have a form of transportation that could take a journey of several weeks and turn it into one of a few days? With such a force, the man who controlled it would be nearly unstoppable.
Fallon's gaze met Caden's for a short second. Caden nodded slightly, showing he understood. Darius watched the two of them before lifting a glass of wine to his lips.
"You will have what you need," Fallon said finally.
Eva made a small sound like she wanted to protest but held her silence.
Smart woman. The herd mistress was turning into an unexpected surprise.
Ajari's smile was small until Fallon continued, "But I will be sending people to accompany her."
Ajari eyes narrowed. "That is not the deal."
"Even I didn't go into the Badlands alone," Shea spoke up, smirking. "Eva is one of us. She won't face this task on her own. With the return of the mythologicals, these lands are more dangerous than ever. She will have our support and protection."
"I can send a few pathfinders with them as well," Lainey offered. "You might have need of them."
Shea nodded, accepting the offer.
The skin around Ajari's eyes was tight and his expression careful.
Eva's head jerked toward him, before she lowered her eyes again. One hand drifted up to rub at her forehead.