Page 34 of Warrior of the Wild
I blink.
Damn.
I know of the warrior code of honor, of course. But it didn’t occur to me that by saving this fool, I’d be shackling him to me.
Should have left him to die.
You don’t mean that.Irrenia’s voice cuts into my head, chastising.
Okay, I suppose I don’t mean that, but I can’t have this boy following me around all the time.
“I release you from your debt,” I say. “Think nothing of it.”
“You can’t do that. That’s not how it works.”
I groan. “Please go.”
He looks from me to the tree and back again. His lips purse. “Tell me what you’re doing and I’ll go.”
I fix him with what I hope is a death glare, but he doesn’t budge. If anything, he looks more determined than ever to stay.
Rock still in hand, I return to the tree, etching once more. “I’m mapping out Peruxolo’s domain.”
Silence from behind me. After finishing the mountain, I draw the thick wild off to the right, leaving a gap in the trees where I saw the trail.
I turn to the side of the tree and carve out a list.
FACE OF A MAN
BLOND HAIR
CARRIES AN AX
“You went to the god’s lair?” Soren finally sputters out.
“I did.” This boy is like an irksome fly that just won’t leave me alone.
“Why?”
“You said if I told you what I was doing you would leave. Are you going to dishonor yourself by lying?”
“No, I’ll take my leave,” he says hurriedly. “Stay safe, Rasmira.”
I listen to his footsteps as he retreats. I’m surprised Iric let Soren out of his sight after what happened last time. If it were my friend—
I stop that line of thought, because I realize I’ve never had a real friend, only a pretend one who sought to get me killed.
AFTER MUCH DEBATING,I decide not to pick up my fort and move camp. It’s too much work, and I’m certain I could take Soren if it came down to it. Though for now, I’m convinced he’s harmless. Annoying as hell, sure, but harmless. Besides, it would be terribly foolish of him to be out and about at night.
As I lie in my little fort that evening, sleep has a harder time coming. I’m not quite so exhausted, and blasted Soren has thoughts of the gunda going through my head.
Damn him.
Damn him and his cursed life debt. I don’t know how he thinks he can possibly do for me as I have done for him. He’s a banished warrior. He must not be very skilled with an ax if he was exiled.
But you were banished, a little voice reminds me.
That was different.
