“Spirit-blessed,” someone said. “My uncle saw her when she entered the city. She threw her blades at a man who insulted Marshal Kitsune’s son. He brought them here. Gavril Kitsune, returned to the city. Fortune shines on us.”
Fortune? Oh, no. That is not what shines. It is death and destruction, and Marshal Kitsune is at the center of it. Your hero is a monster. His son no better.
“I – I must go.”
“Yes, you must,” whispered a voice at her ear. Fingers wrapped around her forearm and a firm hand tugged her through the crowd. A young man held her. Seventeen summers of age. Light brown skin. Dark curls hanging in his face.
“Ronan,” she murmured.
“Hmm. Daigo? Help me get her out of here.”
TWO
Daigo cleared a path through the crowd, bumping people and growling when they didn’t move fast enough. Ronan nudged gawkers aside from the rear. Moria allowed herself to be led, well aware of the scene she’d caused and the trouble she was in. More important, she was aware of the trouble Ashyn could catch for not realizing her twin had left. If there was one thing that could melt the steel from Moria’s spine, it was the prospect of causing her sister grief.
Only once they were out of the square did she regain her stride. Ronan took the lead, and they wound down two alleyways before finding a dark corner behind a bakery, the sweet scent of honey cakes wafting out.
Moria asked about his young brother and sister. After four moons of exile in the Forest of the Dead, he’d been anxious to return to his orphaned siblings, left in the care of an aunt he feared would have them picking pockets for their keep. But now he answered with a quick, “They’re well,” before saying, “You don’t know the meaning of inconspicuous, do you? All I had to do was follow the commotion and there you were, in the midst of it.”
“I have no training in stealth and disguise,” she said. “Nor any reason to learn. I’m the Keeper of Edgewood. I should walk where I wish.”
His look said she knew full well why she couldn’t do that, but she only settled onto a crate. Daigo took a seat beside her, leaving Ronan standing.
“How is your sister?” he asked.
“As fine as can be expected, being held a virtual prisoner and worrying about the people of Fairview and the children of Edgewood.”
Ronan sighed. “You have no gift for the art of conversation, Moria. All right. I take it Ashyn is well. Please tell her…” He struggled long enough for words that Moria sighed with impatience.
“I’ll tell her you send your undying love and cannot wait to see her gentle face again.”
From the look on Ronan’s face, you’d think she’d suggested telling Ashyn he wished her a slow and tortured death.
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll tell her you asked after her and that it would be pleasant to speak with her, once she is permitted to do so.”
“Yes, thank you. I have great regard for your sister, but she is a Seeker, and I have good reason for not…”
Moria peered at him. “Not what?”
“I… have great regard for your sister.”
“Yes, yes, you said that. I didn’t come to play matchmaker. I asked you to meet me —”
“Summoned would be a better word.” He crouched against the wall. “Is it about Gavril? I heard that he has left the city.”
“Yes, but that is not —”
“I wouldn’t have thought him quick to leave your side. He seemed to have appointed himself as much your loyal guard and companion as Daigo.”
Daigo growled, as if understanding enough to not appreciate the comparison. Bond-beasts were said to be the reincarnations of great warriors, and the wildcat comprehended more than might be expected of an animal.
“I did not come to speak of —” she began.
“What happened?”
She’d truly rather not speak of it, but he’d need to know if he agreed to help with her plan.
“You’ll recall the message we bore from Fairview?” she said. “For the emperor, from those who held the children and villagers captive. It bore a seal. One that Gavril claimed not to recognize.”
Ronan nodded.
“It was the Kitsune seal.”
Ronan pulled back. “Gavril must not have known —”
“He did. It was a secondary seal used by his father. The former marshal did not perish in the Forest of the Dead. He is alive, and he is responsible for raising the shadow stalkers that destroyed Edgewood. He’s also responsible for the death worms and the thunder hawk. The rumors are correct. The Kitsune family knows sorcery. Gavril confirmed it in the Wastes. I forced him to, having caught him at it.”
“But Gavril —”
“— betrayed us. After Edgewood was massacred, his task was to escort Ashyn and me to the emperor with a firsthand account of his father’s power.”
Ronan shook his head. “I cannot believe that. Gavril might be one of the least companionable people I’ve ever met, but I would want him at my side in any battle. He’s steadfast and loyal —”
“— to his father. That’s the warrior way. Filial piety above all else. Even integrity and conscience, it seems. Now you know why he’s gone, and I would like to leave the subject alone.”
“But —”
“I insist. I came to speak of Fairview.”
Ronan studied her expression and then nodded. “You don’t believe the emperor is taking the threat seriously?”