Free A Clash of Shadows by Elí Freysson Page A

timing for such a thing.” The trained killer spoke with a smile but his eyes were serious.
    “It certainly it,” Arvar responded.
    Vajan looked around, at their comrades and brethren who were busily preparing the operation. The two of them were rather isolated in spite of the company. Everyone was tending to their tasks and some were speaking quietly. Friends exchanging opinions on the news.
    “Any idea what’s going on?” he asked to get his leader’s thoughts.
    Arvar watched him with his brown eyes. Then he looked at a wall, towards these distant troubles that might nonetheless upset everything.
    “I think it’s best not to jump to conclusions in this matter,” he then said. “Not now. Assumptions have a way of stabbing one in the back.”
    Vajan nodded. Many had suffered for assumptions. Sometimes at his very own hands.
    “I can take a part of
the team to investigate,” he suggested. “You can postpone the operation in the meantime. Until we know just what is happening.”
    “So you want us to divide our forces when our enemies are stirring?” Arvar said with obvious disapproval.
    “I want you and the ones you need the most to hold still while the rest of us find out whether this could lead to us. If that turns out to be the case we can take proper action. That is the safest way, I think.”
    Arvar looked him in the eyes.
    “Also more exciting , I suspect,” he said critically.
    Vajan smiled with a corner of his mouth and a boyish glint in his eyes.
    “That may be,” he said and held his palms out. “But come now. I’m not about to jeopardise the operation for just that. It takes priority.”
    “I certainly hope so,” Arvar said. He kept his tone friendly but let his face show his seriousness. “You proved yourself a while back. That should suffice for you.”
    “That depends on whom you ask,” Vajan replied with a just a hint of bitterness slipping through the smile.
    “I know,” Arvar sighed. “Some are stuck in an antiquated mindset. But we are after all trying to start a new movement.”
    Arvar thought it over, but had a hard time coming up with a good counter argument. He didn’t like postponing everything. There was no way of knowing how long the peace with Kolgrim would last. But if these events came their way it might be the only sensible options. Best to deal with them directly.
    “Very well. But do leave your trump behind. I may end up needing it.”
    Vajan hesitated.
    “The operation takes priority,” Arvar reminded him.
    “True.”
    Vajan handed over the leather wrapping with a bit of reluctance.
    “Just look after this carefully,” he said. “I doubt I will acquire another one.”
    “Hopefully not while the owner still lives, at any rate,” Arvar said. “Now gather your men.”

 
    7.
     
    The journey went well for the next three days. They made better progress than they would have in the lowlands and Serdra even suggested that they would reach Bag Harbour before Maron’s messenger.
    They stopped around noon to rest themselves and the horses a bit. They let the beasts graze around a comfortable hollow while they themselves ate of the little remaining provisions.
    Katja glanced at her mentor, as she had been doing since the previous day. The woman had to notice but hadn’t said anything.
    “Old Maron chatted with me a few days ago,” Katja suddenly said.
    “He tends to do that, yes,” Serdra said.
    “He...” Katja hesitated. “He voiced the possibility that you would die before finishing my training.”
    “That is entirely possible, Katja,” Serdra said calmly. “I believe I have always made it perfectly clear that I am...”
    “Not invincible, I know,” Katja said. “He also said that in the event I should return to the homestead and stay there for a while longer.”
    “It would be wise, but circumstances will have to determine that.”
    “Indeed. So isn’t it time you told me more about the Death Lords?”
    Serdra looked at her. Katja had no more