Sábria nodded and schooled her features so none of her apprehension showed. “I appreciate you telling me what you’ve heard, Ada. Those are exactly the types of rumors I need to hear. How widespread do you think they are?”

  “Among the common people, my warriors and camp people, pretty widespread. I’m not sure about the nobility, though.” She looked quizzically at her father, who was better placed to hear rumors among his peers.

  The Earl paused momentarily, and his bushy brows came down low over his eyes. “I’m known as a staunch defender of the Daughters, and I doubt anyone would speak negatively about them around a card table at one of Lord Compton’s parties while I’m present, but now that I think about it, I did walk in on a conversation I thought strange at the time. I walked into the smoking lounge of the Pavilion one evening and overheard Renly telling Bathton something to the effect of ‘Once they’re gone, what’s to stop others leaving as well?’ They saw me and immediately changed the subject, and I thought nothing of it until now. I have no idea whether they were discussing the Hunters and the Blades or some servants on one of their estates.”

  The names gave Sábria a pretty good idea, but she never showed her cards when speaking about one lord to another. “Lord Renly and Lord Bathton? Both very loyal to the Emperor.”

  Ashden hummed, “Hmm. Yes.” Apparently, he, too, was circumspect when giving opinions about his peers.

  If anyone could quell the rumors, it would be these two well-respected members of the nobility. She thought about how she could prime them to do just that without them knowing that was her intention. “Well, rumors are funny things. Sometimes, they take on a life of their own, but you’ll be pleased to know that I have several Hunters in my encampment downriver, and I’m certain if there were any major problems, they’d let me know. If you hear any more of this Blade vs. Hunter nonsense⁠—”

  Ada broke in, “We’ll put a stop to it immediately. As I said, our family is yours first and foremost⁠—”

  Now Lord Ashden interrupted his daughter, “Not that we don’t support the Emperor….”

  Sábria held up a comforting hand. “Of course, your equal support of Emperor Aloric goes without saying.”

  It looked as though Ada bit into something distasteful when she mumbled, “Of course. But what I meant was that we’ll keep our ears open and do what we can. It’s precisely these types of rumors that can, as you say, take on a life of their own.”

  Lord Ashden still looked concerned. “There’s something else I think you should know, My Lady.” He motioned to the tent flap, indicating the people outside. “We came into Sarlogne to gather up some members of our extended family so that we could officially bring our grieving to an end. As you know, my lands lie two days ride to the south. Or, more precisely, it takes at least that long to arrive at my northern border. After hearing what the warriors were repeating at Ada’s camps, I started paying more attention to the Blades who patrol the villages and towns scattered throughout my estates.”

  Outriders from Temples located in lesser occupied cities often rode out to patrol the smaller towns and villages in their nearby environs, so Ashden’s mention of Blades riding patrol wasn’t surprising. Wanting to encourage such behavior on the part of the nobility, Sábria sat forward and looked the Earl directly in the eyes. “I’m always pleased to hear the members of the nobility have our best interests at heart and keep an eye out for the safety and security of my Blades.”

  He nodded distractedly, “Yes, of course. What I wanted to say was that on our way to Sarlogne, we passed no fewer than four Hunters riding south. Now, if they were riding southeast, that would be one thing because there are several Temples in that direction, but to a person, they were riding southwest.”

  Sábria understood immediately why that bothered him. “And there’s only one Temple in that direction. And your question to me, or is it possibly your comment or concern, is that there would normally be no reason for that one Temple to require the services of four Hunters.”

  She sat upright again while she considered this new information. She had no intention of giving credence to the rumors, even though they were true, so she smiled and shrugged. “Well, that’s a happy coincidence because I’d intended to ride to Oakenmere in the next few days to visit High Priestess Constin to celebrate her sixtieth nameday. It’s quite possible that since we’ve had Hunters who’ve come out of Oakenmere, they’re headed down there to honor her themselves.” In reality, only one Hunter had come from Oakenmere, and she’d died several turns earlier, but Sábria didn’t feel the need to expound on that fact.

  Ada brightened at the news. “It just so happens that Oakenmere is only a half a day’s ride from my headquarters. I’d consider it an honor if you’d stop in for a visit, My Lady, after you’ve celebrated the High Priestess’s name day. If you ride due east from Oakenmere, you’ll run into our camp.”

  Lord Ashden chuckled and looked at his daughter fondly. “I’m afraid my daughter has been isolated for too long in the south fighting raiders, My Lady. Riding out and confronting bandits has become a bit too commonplace for her. While you’re always welcome anywhere on my lands, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea for you to ride to her encampment precisely because she’s fighting raiders there, and I couldn’t guarantee your safety. Look what happened to my lady wife. A lucky swipe from a bandit’s blade and she’s gone. I’d hate for something like that to happen to you or your Blades.”

  “Really, Father. She said she has several Hunters in her party, plus Prime Geller, and I assume Commander Shirin will be with her, and if any of the raiders run into that lineup, they’re in for quite a surprise.”

  Sábria had genuinely liked this Lady Knight from the first time they’d met some fifteen turns earlier. She admired her enthusiasm and her willingness to repel raiders coming across the Cibían border. “I believe the Trial of Ascension isn’t for another seven days, so if I were to ride out to see you, I’d be visiting your cousin rather than you in your border camp.”

  Ada slapped her forehead with an open palm. “That’s right, I’d forgotten I’ll still be in Sarlogne when you go.”

  “Some other time, perhaps.” She looked at Lord Ashden. “I’m curious. Did you recognize any of the Hunters you passed?”

  Ashden quickly shook his head. “I did not. It’s so rare for us to see one on our lands.”

  “Do you think you could describe them for me?”

  “One was a dark-skinned woman who rode openly on the road, something I understand is out of character for the Hunters. In fact, just seeing one anywhere is extremely unusual if they’re not with other Blades, like the one who came here with you, for example. Anyway, the woman wore her hair cut very short, perhaps only this long.” He held up his little finger and circled the first joint with the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand. “She was about thirty-five to forty, lean but muscular, like most Blades. I don’t remember much about her face other than she had thick, wide lips,” he smiled almost shyly, “beautiful lips, really. I think that’s why I noticed them.”

  Sábria glanced at Geller but then quickly looked away. She recognized the description and was somewhat alarmed that the woman she considered second to Xyda had been riding to possibly join the other three Lord Ashden had seen. She hoped they weren’t meeting in the south to escape across the Cibían border into Preyvin, an ungoverned territory she’d be hard-pressed to justify crossing into without taking at least sixty to a hundred Blades with her as guards. If Xyda refused to hunt them, then she was afraid whatever Hunters crossed would be lost to her, something she refused to allow, no matter the cost.

  Lord Ashden continued, “My sentries saw two others moving through the forest, but they described them more as ghosts than people. However, they did recognize the uniforms. And then, finally, I thought it unusual that when I looked up, I saw a Hunter sitting in a tree watching us go by.”

  Sábria raised her brows. “Unusual for a Hunter to be up in a tree?”

  He shook his head. “No, what was unusual was when I made eye contact, she smiled and waved as though it didn’t matter to her that she’d been seen. They’re usually so reclusive and careful not to show themselves that it was notable, that’s all.”

  “Description?”

  “Brown skin, mid-thirties, I’d guess. I couldn’t tell her height, but she wasn’t lanky, so I didn’t get the impression of a tall woman. Her eyes were dark, but she was too far up for me to see the exact color…let’s see….” He paused while he tried to recall more details.

  Geller spoke up from where she waited next to the tent opening. “Any marks or tattoos?”

  That jarred his memory, and he sat up straighter. “Yes. Now that you mention it. I don’t know why I didn’t remember immediately because it was so unusual. There was some design on her left jawline that ran down the side of her neck. Again, she was too far up for me to see it clearly enough to tell you what it was.”

  Sábria smiled, “That’s fine. I know who it is. Thank you for those excellent descriptions.” A shout went up outside, followed quickly by laughter. Sábria used the distraction to set her wine on the table and stand. “And thank you, too, for your hospitality. It’s getting late, and I really should get back to camp before Shirin sends the Hunters out looking for me.” She grinned, knowing that was exactly what would happen if she extended her stay much longer.

  The Ashdens rose and set their glasses next to hers. Geller opened the tent flap, and everyone stepped outside to see what was causing all the commotion. Ada crossed her arms and waved at a group of people gathered around Maida and Robi. “Oh ho. You weren’t kidding when you said she talked the Hunter into giving her a personal lesson.”

  About half a furlong from the tent, someone had hung an oblong leather bag filled with seed over the side of one of the wagons making an excellent practice target. Half again the distance to the wagon, Maida was down on one knee behind Robi, who had an arrow knocked and aimed at the target. With a beginner’s skill, she loosed the arrow, which sailed over the wagon and out into the forest beyond. Good-natured laughter rose again, and money exchanged hands as several men and women paid up on their bets.

  Robi’s shoulders stiffened. She glowered at Maida, who shook her head, took hold of the young girl’s shoulders, and turned her so she faced the target again. Maida handed her an arrow, but instead of having her knock it, she had her hold it upright at arm’s length in front of her body. Maida placed her palm over the girl’s right eye, testing to see which eye was dominant.

  Maida said something in the girl’s ear, and when Robi shook her head, she removed her hand from that eye and covered the other. Robi nodded, and the Hunter spoke to the girl one more time. When Robi lifted the bow, knocked the arrow, and aimed at the target, Maida stopped her.

  She made the girl lower the bow, close her eyes, and pull in several deep breaths. She touched Robi’s shoulders, and when they visibly relaxed, Maida placed her fingers beneath the arm holding the bow, told her to open her eyes, and had her slowly raise it while gently pulling back on the flaxen bowstring.

  When Maida covered the first eye again, Robi flinched and glanced over her shoulder. Her puzzled scowl suggested that she was wondering whether Maida was making fun of her by covering her eye.

  Maida put her fingers on the child’s blonde hair and twisted her head around until it faced the target again. With gentle patience, the Hunter repeated the relaxation process and this time covered the second eye.

  With everyone watching, Robi obediently pulled in several long breaths, raised the bow, and drew back on the bowstring. After waiting a moment, she released the arrow. It missed the target but hit the side of the wagon with a resounding thunk.

  A loud cheer rose among the onlookers because that was the first time she’d hit even that much of her target.

  Robi turned and flung her arms around Maida’s neck, and Sábria was glad to see her Blade hug the child in return. She called out, “Maida.” When the Hunter looked over her shoulder, Sábria signaled her to come before turning to speak to both Ada and her father. “Lord Ashden, I understand your niece wants to become a Blade. I realize she has another turn yet as a page and then four turns as a squire, but I’d like to make you an offer. I have another orphan—she’s about nine turns—with no other children her age inside the Temple.”

  Ada raised her brows. “Robi’s only eleven. I didn’t think you took younglings as shivs until their fifteenth name day, My Lady.”

  “We don’t. She wouldn’t be a shiv. Not for another three turns, yet, but she’d learn weaponry and take classes in reading, writing, math, and other subjects. She’d have to work to earn her keep, though. She’d have equestrian duties in our stables, would run errands for the Blades, and work in the armory for Prime Geller and the other weapons masters cleaning and sharpening swords, repairing scabbards and sheaths, and learning how to craft our practice blades. That way, after a turn or so, she’d know whether the life of a Blade is for her, and if it’s not, she’ll still have time to be a squire and then eventually a Lady Knight.”

  When father and daughter looked at one another, she added, “This wouldn’t happen, of course, until I return to the Temple, maybe in one or two full moons, but it’s something to think about, anyway. There is one other thing, though.” She ran her finger down her nose, anticipating their reaction to her next words. “The nine-turn child is a skelli who’s been adopted by the Blades. But she’s strong and smart as a whip and⁠—”

  Lord Ashden held up his hand. “My Lady Sábria, do you see that man over there ordering my warriors about, telling them to get the camp in order and ready for the evening meal?”

  “Yes.”

  “He was what city dwellers refer to as a nint, and now, after many turns working for our family, he’s the fourth highest-ranking warrior among my guards. In fact, we often recruit our people from the inner-city orphans because they’re tough enough to withstand life on the southern borders. If we decide to send Robi to you, we’ll have no problem with her befriending a skelli. I don’t suppose that Hunter would be at the Temple very often to teach her archery, but that would definitely be a plus if she came by every so often to give her a lesson.” He smiled, knowing Hunters rarely remained at any one Temple for very long.

  Returning the smile, Sábria simply raised her brow and shrugged, “You never know what the future brings, do you?”

  He watched Maida walking toward him with his niece in tow. “No, of that I’m absolutely certain. So, I thank you for the offer and for the time to think about what would be best for her. We’ve grown quite fond of our little heathen, haven’t we?” Robi stepped up next to her Uncle, who put an arm around the girl’s shoulders.

  When Sábria stepped back to take her leave, Lord Ashden, Ada, and everyone else in the camp bowed low. With a final wave, she, Geller, and Maida said their goodbyes, then turned and walked into the forest.

  CHAPTER 17

  Sábria called the meeting that evening with just the five hunters. Because the topic was so incredibly personal, she’d asked everyone else to busy themselves with other things. Initially, she thought sitting around the campfire would be a good idea, but she decided that privacy was more important than comfort and had them all inside the largest tent.

  Since it had been Rangel Lamberry’s tent, it was an opulent setup that accommodated a central fire pit with a small vent hole through which smoke could escape. Ailith had carefully laid a small fire directly beneath the hole. Since she’d mostly lived in Dreyutha, where it was hot and stifling most of the turn and no one she knew would use such a “Fowkin’ sissified waste of a good tent top,” she’d purposefully added a small green stick to the flames to make sure the smoke did, indeed leave the tent through the “upside down pissin’ hole.”

  Maida had followed her into the tent and grinned at Ailith’s grumbling, thinking she really did like this young shiv and might just befriend her instead of bed her as she’d originally thought. “So, they don’t have these where you’re from? In the mountains of Eastern Cibía, where I grew up, even the common soldiers have venting holes in their two-person tents. They’d freeze to death otherwise.”

  With a loud scoff, Ailith added one small branch to the cheerful fire she’d kindled. “And it’s no wonder Dreyuthan soldiers wipe th’ bums of every army what come to fight.” She scoffed again as she stood and wiped her hands on the back of her trews. She grinned wickedly as she glanced at Maida. “We just pile more and more soldiers into th’ twofer tents ‘till we’re cozy, and we pray to whatever God or Goddess we answer to that none had a extra portion of beans fer th’ last meal.”

  Sábria, who’d ducked into the tent during Ailith’s diatribe, laughed and grabbed Ailith by her tunic’s back collar. She tucked her shiv’s head beneath her arm and escorted her to the flap. “Out. I swear, Ailith, someday when you’ve mastered writing, I’ll order you to write a book about your colorful experiences in the Dreyuthan army. Now go.” With that, she gently shoved her outside, and then, with the fondness she felt for her shiv still etched into her features, turned in time to catch the hurt Maida tried to hide by turning away to settle her saddle pad in place.

  Since the others hadn’t yet arrived, Sábria pulled her upright and placed her hand behind the Hunter’s neck. She had to tilt her head just a bit to look directly into her eyes, and when a blush crept into Maida’s cheeks, Sábria changed her mind and pulled her into an embrace. “Maida.” She sounded a bit exasperated. “Always remember you’re special to me. It doesn’t matter if there are a thousand others who are, too.” She leaned back and smiled into those vulnerable eyes that had once been so full of confidence and mischief. “And there aren’t, by the way. I’ll let you in on a secret. I care for all of my Blades, but there are only a few who are truly, truly special to my heart. I count you among them.”