Free The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand by Siobhan Muir Page B

sure. Earned that dagger. I’m impressed.” He laughed and shook his head.
    “That’s a step in the right direction then.”
    They’d almost reached their hostel when the stench of garlic and curry drifted in the air from the alley. Iliana’s gut clenched and Brandon’s shoulders tightened as the shadows shifted just outside of the lantern’s light.
    “Well, master Brandon Crowe, it has been a long time.”

Chapter Seve n : “With friends like these, who needs enemies…?”
     
     
    The scuffing of many feet brought Iliana and Brandon to a full stop. She thanked her lucky stars she’d decided to wear her throwing knives because when the shadows separated, six large men filled the space around two smaller men. One she recognized.
    “Ahmad?”
    Their fellow traveler stood behind a rotund man in a creamy turban. A large jewel rested against his forehead, but the color remained indistinct in the dim light. The six large guards bristled with weapons and scars. None of them seemed capable of smiling, but she didn’t think their smiles would be pleasant if they could.
    “Reichart.” Brandon’s voice held a jovial tone and his face creased into a lazy smile. “It has been a long time. What brings you so far east?”
    Iliana’s gaze fell on Ahmad’s grim smirk. I bet I know why he’s here.
    “It has been too long, Master Crowe.” Reichart rubbed a hand through his black bushy beard and thick eyebrows lowered over a nose broken one too many times. His eyes glittered in the dim light, reminiscent of a rat’s. Iliana suppressed a gut-felt shudder and dropped her hands close to her knives.
    “You still owe me money, Crowe.” Reichart tipped his head and crossed his arms over his barrel chest. “I understand your recent trip to the desert would pay off the last of your debt.”
    “That is the plan and the deal, Reichart.” Brandon nodded, his expression still relaxed. “I was on my way to pay you back as soon as I sold the merchandise in Ros Torach. We stopped here for supplies before heading to the coast.” He tipped his head. “I’m kinda curious what brought you out of your estate into Knalland. I thought you didn’t travel anymore.”
    “Oh, I don’t, that’s true. But Ahmad gave me the impression I’d want to see to this transaction personally.” Reichart sighed with theatrical sorrow. “Like him, I feel it’s important to take care of this now, before more time has passed. You’re far too crafty, Master Crowe. I’m of the mind you’d take the ‘merchandise’ and run. Am I mistaken?”
    “Yes.” Brandon’s voice hardened and Iliana tensed.
    This is gonna get bad fast.
    “I honor my agreements and my debts, Reichart. Once I made my financial deals, your estate was my next stop.” His gaze swung to Ahmad and he raised his chin with derision. “Whatever Ahmad told you is incorrect. We just managed to escape the Knalish Army and get here.”
    Brandon crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. “Speaking of which, why didn’t you let the army have me at the oasis, Ahmad? Then you could’ve been free and clear with my half of the vault. No need for these theatrics.”
    Ahmad shrugged. “Reichart promised me the remainder of your haul from the vault if I brought you to him. I would’ve left you to the army if you’d stayed in the oasis, but you went sniffing after that female.” Ahmad’s lip curled as he gave Iliana a once-over. “You never could keep it in your pants, Crowe.”
    Brandon ignored Ahmad as he kept his focus on the man with the jeweled turban. “I make good on my deals, Reichart. I don’t want your debt hanging over me. I would’ve paid it when I reached the coast.”
    The other man cocked his head as he considered Crowe's words. “I see you have a new companion with you. Ahmad tells me she is a traveler who knows the Karobis well enough to cross its length and breadth. Is this she?”
    “Why do you care, Reichart?” Crowe casually rested his hand on his sword