"I wouldn't say it's lack of arrogance so much as vast experience with defeat."
Dalain was teasing Sabre, but the young woman only seemed to grow more irritated. Moria heard Ashyn's voice whispering in her ear: Because he's treating her as a child, and she does not wish him to see her as a child.
Perhaps. It was none of Moria's concern right now. Her sister's voice, however, was a concern--a reminder.
"The three riders," she said. "Were they clearly men? My sister is supposed to come this way. She'll be accompanied by a young man and a young woman. They may have been following us trying to determine if we were in your men's custody or not before they approached."
"It is . . . possible," Dalain said.
"He'll not answer straight," Sabre said. "So I will. That's who he was hunting: your sister. She was here, and Dalain frightened her off, and now she's lost."
"Lost?" Moria said, her voice sharp with alarm.
Dalain shot a glare at Sabre, then turned to Moria. "I'm sorry, my lady. Some of our locals are more plainspoken--and less considerate--than they ought to be. Yes, I did speak to your sister. While I will not say that I 'frightened her off,' she was understandably cautious, given the circumstances, and I may have underestimated the degree of her caution."
Sabre snorted. "May have? You can pull on pretty manners for the Keeper, Dalain, but I'm not the only local given to plain and ill-considered speeches."
"Ashyn didn't trust you so she ran," Tyrus said. "Which is why I told you not to approach her until I returned." He held up a hand against Dalain's protest. "Yes, I know you meant well. But it's not the Seeker you needed worry about as much as her escort. Ronan would never have let her go with you until I was there to say all was well. What happened then?"
"She ran with the boy and her hound. They disappeared into the woods, and it seemed wise to bring our own hounds to track them."
"Which would have put them perfectly at ease," Sabre murmured.
Dalain ignored her. "One of my men spotted her outside the inn last evening. There was a . . . commotion. I feared she would not fare well in these woods, and I thought I could convince her to come with me. I was mistaken. But I will find her. My men are out there now, with the best hunting hounds in the empire."
"Then I'll go with them," Moria said.
She turned toward her horse. Dalain stepped in her path, but Tyrus cleared his throat and steered Moria aside.
"You'll not stop me from finding my sister," she said.
"I wouldn't dare. But may I suggest we get you to the compound for a change of clothing? We'll pack food and water and set out for a proper search."
"While I appreciate the Keeper's concern," Dalain began, "I think this is best handled by hounds and men who know the terrain--"
"I know the terrain," Tyrus cut in. "And Moria knows her sister, as does Daigo. I appreciate your concern, Dalain, but once we've partaken of your father's hospitality, we will hunt for Ashyn and her escort. If you wish to join us, you are most welcome, but I would prefer you did not search on your own, as it is likely to drive them deeper into the wilderness."
Tyrus's words came softly, but his tone left no room for debate. It reminded Dalain that, while Tyrus was still several summers younger, he was no longer a boy under the Okamis' tutelage. He was an imperial prince.
Sabre smirked and opened her mouth to say something, almost certainly an insult. Before she could speak, Tyrus cut her off.
"Sabre? I don't know what the situation is--how many realize that the Seeker is in these woods. I hope the answer is 'very few,' and that it remains that way, but I know your father is loyal to Lord Okami, so I trust he will let us know if he spots Ashyn or her escort, and that no attempt will be made to communicate with them directly."
"Yes, your highness." There was a lilt to the title--more teasing than mockery--and she said, "You've grown into that ink on your arms, little dragon. There will be many here who'll be pleased to see it. My father, for one. He has hopes for you, despite your insistence on ducking attention."
"Which has not changed at all," Tyrus said. "I'll be quite happy if I can return to pursuing the life of a warrior, not a prince in exile."
"Rebel prince. That has a better ring, don't you think?"
"No, thank you. Now, if you can speak to your father, I need to get to Lord Okami's compound. Moria is eyeing her horse
and wondering how badly she needs my help with the search. I'll take my leave before I'm abandoned by the roadside."
FIFTY-THREE
"She's out there and she's safe," Tyrus whispered as they rode. "Ashyn is smart, Tova is loyal, and Ronan is capable. I'm sorry this happened--"
"It had nothing to do with you." Moria shot a look at Dalain, riding at the front of the group.