Chapters (27)
Again, Breck clenched his fist and gritted his teeth but said nothing. He glared furiously at the woman and then pulled his eyes away to watch for the Raven’s response. The Raven nodded beneath his hood. “Hmm … do you know what I think, Hilith? I think you are worried that the new guildmaster will hold a grudge against you, and you are hoping to secure someone of your choosing in his place, someone you believe you have a chance at seducing to regain a semblance of power.”
Hilith’s smile fell as Breck’s fists unclenched. The man released a pent up breath. Ah, Rezkin thought. The man had been concerned that Hilith’s manipulation had gained a hold over the Raven, and Breck had been biding his time until the truth was revealed. It had been a test of sorts.
Breck’s voice was low and gruff as he said, “I am well prepared for the position. It would have been mine had Hilith not …” He did not finish the sentence. They all knew, now, what Hilith had done.
“You will serve me?” the Raven asked, as though Breck had a choice.
“I …” he said and then glanced at Hilith before looking back, “owe you a debt. I will serve you. You, at least, are forthright and honest in your intentions.” It was a dig at the woman, but Hilith held her head high and shrugged shamelessly.
“Very well,” the Raven replied. “Here are some instructions to begin with, but I will return several times over the next few days to ensure there is no miscommunication. Do not bother to set a trap. It will fail, and you will die.”
Breck seemed to watch the highly armed shadow warrior carefully. The man’s confidence in the Raven’s threat was so overwhelming that if any thoughts of traps or ambushes had existed in Breck’s mind, they had summarily fled. Breck nodded once in affirmation but made no other move. Rezkin was pleased with the man’s self-control.
“W-What about me?” Hilith asked with a bit of a pout.
The Raven grinned wolfishly, the firelight highlighting the white of his perfect teeth, so discordant with the black shadows that otherwise concealed his face. “Oh, I have a task for you. I suggest you begin making preparations. The Lady Gadderand is going on a trip, and I expect she will be gone for quite some time.” Hilith was struck with the realization that the Raven had planned this all along.