I cleared my throat and like kittens in a basket, they all snapped their heads to me, their eyes going almost as wide as Bren’s.
I was about to ask their names when I saw Benji at the back, looking more worried than excited. I tipped my chin and beckoned him closer, the others watching him, awed, as he pushed through them then trotted to me.
“Yes, sir?”
“I want you to run straight to the medic center and ask for Terra. Tell her it’s my instruction that she come immediately to Kgosi’s stable. And bring her bag. From the General. You tell her that.”
“Yes, Sir!” He took off running and I turned back to Bren who was watching, her eyes still wide and fearful, though she’d dropped her hands to her sides.
“You go straight to your room. Akhane and Kgosi will guard you. Terra will come to check you—”
“I don’t need it. I’m not hurt—”
“You’re being checked. That’s an order,” I snapped, then grimaced when she flinched. “I’m sorry, Bren. I’m asking you—I’mdirectingyou,to return to your quarters with your dragon and mine. I’ll handle this, and Terra will check in with you as soon as she arrives.”
To my relief, she nodded and turned away immediately, her brothers walking with her, which soothed my fear a little.
Then I sighed because I was going to turn and face that little fucker andnotplow another fist into his angry mug. But thankfully, he was still hunched over on the floor, and now Oros and Gil had gone to join Einar, squatting next to him, checking for broken bones.
I wanted to tell them to check his nose, but I was pretty certain no one would miss the swelling that was already beginning to turn purple under Faren’s eyes.
He caught me staring at him and shrank when I marched over to stand over the others, who closed in around him.
Unnecessary. But good men.
I folded my arms and stared down at the bastard. “What do you have to say for yourself?” I growled at Faren.
“I was only here to get my dragon’s gear,” he said thickly, his eyes still watering. “She was here and taunted me.”
‘Kgosi? Is there any truth in that?’
‘None.’
My rage bubbled again. I was grateful that Ronen stood just to the side, watching me warily. I chose to speak to him because if Faren talked back I might attack him again.
“Get him to the medics. Carry him if you have to.”
“Yes, Sir.” Ronen turned like he’d help them, but I caught his elbow. “No, not you. Organize your squad. They should take him. I need you with me.”
Ronen blinked, but jumped to do as I asked. Within moments, two of the squad were supporting Faren, helping him walk—slowly—to the exit, and ultimately the healers building.
I should have felt bad. I knew that. I’d hurt him, and he was little more than a child. But every time I felt the pinch of guilt, I remembered the way he’d held Bren against her will, and my remorse drowned in the tidal wave of righteous rage.
Once they were on the move, I waited until they were out of earshot, then turned to Ronen. “You follow me,” I muttered, then started down the aisle in the opposite direction. Ronen didn’t question until I stopped at the tack room in the middle of the wing. Then he frowned, but he followed me in silence as I lit a lamp, then set it on a corner ledge up high where it would cast the most light.
“Sir?” Ronen asked. “Did you want to speak to me privately? We could go to the—”
“No,” I said bluntly. “I want a witness that I’m not trying to set up that little prick. You watch everything I do so you can report to whoever is necessary.Honestly.”
“Yes, of course. Only, what are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for the reason that Faren waited until the middle of the night to come for his Dragon’s gear,” I said darkly, walking towards the racks of harnesses on the far wall. “I have a funny feeling I’m going to find Bren’s missing banner. And if I do, you’re here to witness the fact that I didn’t plant it. Do you understand?”
“Yes,Sir.”
46. Stroke the Ego
~ DONAVYN ~
