He looked back at her skeptically.

“Ur is far from here. Are you two crossing Escalon alone then?”

Kyra hesitated, debating whether to reply. She owed this man no answers and just wanted to be out of this place.

She turned and faced him, squaring her shoulders.

“And who are you that you should demand answers from me?” she replied firmly.

A few men in the bar groaned, and the man’s face reddened.

“For a girl alone, in your situation, you should show more respect to your elders,” he said darkly.

“I give respect to those who give it to me,” she replied, not backing down. “And so far, I have seen none from you. As for being in a vulnerable position,” she added, “I daresay it is you who are in that position. I have a very fine weapon strapped to my back, and I see you have but a knife on your waist. Do not underestimate me because I am a girl. I can slit your throat before you finish speaking.”

There came a low grumble from the crowd, as the tension raised several notches.

The man stared back, shocked, and raised a hand to his hips.

“Big words for a girl,” he said. “Much less for one traveling alone.” He looked her over. “You are a brave one, aren’t you?” he asked. “I suspect you’re not an ordinary girl.” He rubbed his chin. “No, by the looks of you, I’d say you are someone important. Furs like that are reserved for warlords. What are two girls doing wearing a warlord’s furs?”

He stared back darkly, demanding a response, as the tavern quieted. Kyra decided it was time to tell them.

“They are my father’s furs,” she said proudly, glaring back. “Duncan. Warlord of Volis.”

For the first time, the man displayed true shock and fear. His expression softened.

“Duncan, you say?” he said, his voice quivering. “Your father?”

The room grumbled in surprise.

“And would he let you travel alone?” he added. “And not with a company of a hundred men?”

“My father has faith in me,” she replied. “He has seen what I can do. He has seen how many men’s throats, like you, I have already cut. It is they he fears for, not myself,” she replied boldly, knowing she must show no weakness if she were to survive this place.

The man stared back, shocked, clearly not expecting that response.

Slowly, his face broke into a smile.

“You are your father’s daughter then,” he replied. “And a fine man he is. I met him once. The boldest, bravest warrior I’d ever known.”

He turned to the barkeep.

“Everything they asked for,” he said, “double it! It’s on me!”

He threw another gold coin on the bar as the barkeep grabbed it and quickly scrambled to get the provisions.