Chapter 72: Taryn Guards a Secret

The woman’s eyes lifted in shock. And something akin to hope.

But Mardichi was talking again. “How’d she get immersed in thievery?”

Taryn looked crestfallen again. Quiet a moment. “After the King’s Guard failed to protect her brother from the bandits that killed him. She decided she’d make the bandits ilk pay.”

Mardichi slowly began to frown.

There was a clatter in the back room of the cottage.

His head spun toward the sound. Glimpsing a small round face and huge blinking blue eyes peering around the edge of a far wall.

The face vanished in a movement startlingly fast. Leaving only a flash of vibrant red hair swinging into view near the floor.

Too short and hair too red to be the woman I seek. He dismissed the child.

“Who was that?”

“Nothing. A rat perhaps.” She said quickly. “What have you come here for?”

“Where did she learn to steal in the dead of night?” He challenged.

“The Raven? She fell in with the wrong people.”

What wrong people?

“Did they teach her archery?”

“No. That was the other one.”

One?

“The…other…one?” Mardichi’s speech was becoming dulled.

Norris was frowning at him perceptively.

“Yes. The other man taught her that.” Taryn said.

“What other one?” Norris asked again.

“I think that one was her friend. She spoke high of him. He taught her to use a dagger as well.” The woman walked over to collect a heavy wooden spoon and began stirring a pot over the fire.

“Who was he?” Mardichi demanded.

“I don’t know.” Her brows drew together as she glanced back at him. “He was her friend.”

What kind of friend?

“Why did he teach her?” He tried again.

“Well, she offered to pay him and that was why he agreed. But later he told her he taught her because they were friends. I don’t think she ever paid him.”

She paid him. No doubt…

Mardichi lurched back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why is she doing this?”

“Her brother was killed by the highwaymen.”

“Damn her.” Mardichi swore under his breath. “Norris let’s go.”

Norris was looking at him in confusion.

As they headed for the door, the woman straightened. “You vowed you wouldn’t kill her.”

I’d never do that.

“I won’t.”

“You lie!” She accused.

Making Mardichi round on her viciously. I do not lie!

Norris slapped a palm on the bigger man’s chest. Barely able to reach it. “Why do you accuse him of this?”

“He cares so little for her that even her name is nothing. He does not see her as human or he would’ve asked. You’ve both lied to me.” She charged.

“Ye’re wrong. Dangerously so.” Mardichi said in a warning tone.

“He is a man of his word.” Norris assured.

“Her name-” The old woman took a step after them.

Mardichi waved her off in aggravation. “Come my friend.”

As the door closed behind them Norris’ eyes flew to Mardichi’s, and found them red. “What are we going to do?”

“Find a smith.”

“A smith?” Norris squawked. “Whyever do we need one? We have weapons.”

Not the ones we need.

“We need shackles.”

“We have those.” Norris shook his head in confusion.

Not the ones we need.

“I sense we will need…more.” Mardichi didn’t look back at Norris.

“What are you hiding from me?”

Not now.

“Come. Let’s find the smith and give him our money.” Mardichi slid up on his stallion’s back.

“I see we are in a rush.”

We are.

“Then what are we going to do?” Norris eyed him warily.

“Find her.” Mardichi heeled his mount. “Quickly.”

“Then what?”

I don’t know.

“I’ll decide after that.” He called over his shoulder.

Enough questions.