Perfidy didn’t know what to say to that, but it didn’t matter because Cainan took that moment to reinsert himself into the conversation. “Have you finished getting acquainted? Did she agree to carry us to Comman Dur?”

“Whut?”

“Your bloodpanther—”

“Corinthia.”

“So you have finished getting acquainted. Excellent. Will Corinthia transport us to Comman Dur or not?”

“I haven’t asked.”

“Why not? I need to get there as soon as possible. Even sooner than that, actually. Was I unclear about the urgency of my need?”

No, Corinthia said in her head.

To which Perfidy answered aloud, because it was godsdamn confusing trying to carry on two conversations at once, especially when one consisted only of thoughts. “No?”

“No?” Cainan repeated, brow furrowing. “Does that mean you won’t ask her or you don’t know why you haven’t asked her? Or I wasn’t clear?”

“Quiet. I need a moment.” When Cainan sat back, she thought, Are ye sayin’ ye won’ take us to Comman Dur?

No, I’m saying I won’t take him to Comman Dur. I’ll take you. You’re my bloodbond, after all.

So ye’ll do as I say?

You’re not my master, if that’s what you mean. Also, I’m offended by just the suggestion, I thought we were becoming friends.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to—

But I do enjoy having you on my back, the wind in our fur, the forest rushing past on all sides. It was quite wonderful, don’t you think? I didn’t expect to like it so much, but I didn’t even think of you as a burden. In fact, you’re far lighter than I thought a human would be. So small and bony. Are you eating enough? I could kill something for you.

Once more, Cainan interrupted. “Sorry, but I really need an answer. There’s someone heading toward Comman Dur that I must meet. I’m afraid she’s not the only somebody, and one of the somebodies might want to kill another somebody, so…”

“Speak plainly!” Perfidy practically shrieked. “Also, Corinthia sed ‘no’.”

“Please tell her that this matter involves the very future of Finfalla.”

“It does? How?”

“It’s a long story and there’s not time to—”

“Tell me or I’m leavin’. Without ye.”

Cainan sighed. “I can’t tell you everything. There really isn’t time, but maybe this will help. I believe my daughter is heading to Comman Dur. I also believe that Korsiris is going there too. And he will kill her, and everyone else for that matter, who happens to be in his path.”

“Korsiris? Ye mean like…”

“Yes. The Korsiris. The murderous demon.”

“But I thought he was killed, or disappeared, or…”

“He did. But he’s back.”

“How do ye know?”

“You just have to trust me. I know he’s back. He was always going to come back.”

“So this is ’bout savin’ yer daughter?”

“Yes, but it’s also about Finfalla. There are things that have been set in motion that need to be stopped, or diverted. Or we’re all doomed. Please, just pass this along to Corinthia, try to make her understand the gravity of the situation.”