Ashk’s ultimatum to the Fae had raced ahead of her, and the Clans had offered a wary welcome when she arrived in their territory to rest for a few hours before moving on again. Among the Clans who had already been staggered by the Huntress’s ultimatum, the Hunter was considered the lesser threat. At least Ashk was one of them, even if she did come from a western Clan. The new Lady of the Moon, a witch from the Mother’s Hills, was so far outside their experience they didn’t know what to do—except fear her and, out of fear, obey.

So the ranks of Ashk’s fighting men had swelled as the Clans, anxious to prove their sincere intentions of helping drive the Black Coats out of Sylvalan, simply sent the required number of men with her. After all, the Huntress couldn’t fault the Clans if the men were in the Hunter’s company and obeying her orders.

Privately, Aiden suspected the Fae were hoping a conflict between the Hunter and the Huntress would end with the death of one or both of them. Regardless of the outcome, the meeting of this Hunter and Huntress would be sung by every bard and minstrel for years to come.

He couldn’t honestly say he was looking forward to witnessing it.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, he hurried across a courtyard—then stopped abruptly as a door opened and the last person he wanted to meet walked toward him.

“Lightbringer,” Aiden said uneasily.

Lucian smiled. “Aiden! Well met!”

Wary now, Aiden approached Lucian. “That’s not what you said the last time we guested at the same Clan house.”

Lucian’s smile faded. “I know. That was not well done on my part. I was angry and—” He stiffened.

Hearing the quiet scuff of feet on stone, Aiden knew who now claimed the Lightbringer’s attention.

Turning toward him, Lucian said softly, hurriedly, “We need to talk privately before you leave here.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Please, Aiden.”

There was an eloquent plea in Lucian’s gray eyes that Aiden couldn’t refuse. Despite their clashes over the past year, they were still kin on their fathers’ side. “All right. After the evening meal. Things should be settled down by then.” Or as settled as they are going to be, he added silently as he turned toward Ashk and the others. He noted Lyrra’s apprehension as she glanced from Morag to Lucian.

Mother’s mercy. Morag, with her unpredictable moods of late, wasn’t someone he wanted near Lucian any longer than necessary.

“Hunter,” Aiden said quickly, “may I present Lucian, the Lightbringer. Lucian, this is Ashk.”

Lucian made a slight bow, keeping his eyes on Ashk. “Well met, Hunter. I’ve heard a great deal about you lately. After so many years of silence, you’ve made your presence felt in Tir Alainn.”