Billos looked at the young converted Horde and suppressed the flashing impulse to level his gun at her. Why was he so bothered by these three intruders?

“And I think you’re both going to get us all killed,” he snapped. “This is complete nonsense! If you can’t do what needs to be done, then leave.”

Darsal stared at him for a moment longer, then set her jaw and averted her eyes. “Where are the books?”

Something clicked deep inside of Billos’s mind with those words. Something that sounded as much like Marsuvees Black as him. The books, Billos, she’s here for the books.

At first he didn’t fully understand the significance of this suggestion, because it seemed a bit obvious. Then another thought whispered through his head. She’ll take the books and leave you powerless. And he knew she would, to protect him, she would say.

You know what that makes her, don’t you Billy-babe? His mind remained blank. A traitor who will end up cutting you off at the knees and shoving her heel in your face.

Darsal shoved her gun under her tunic and strode for the door. She grabbed the handle and pulled it open.

“What are you doing?” Billos demanded. “You’ll give us away!”

She stood in the open doorway and drilled him with a glare. “Will I? They don’t know me as a threat. Unlike you, I haven’t killed here.”

“You’re dressed like a complete stranger.”

“Then they’ll find me a curiosity, not a threat. Now, tell me where you saw the books.”

“Get back inside!” he snapped, waving his gun in her direction.

Instead she took a step outside. “An eating establishment, you said?” She looked up and down the street, then settled on a building to her right. “On the shelf above the counter. Shouldn’t be hard.” Back to him: “I suggest you toss the black Shataiki getup and follow me.”

“She makes sense,” Papa said, crossing to the front door.

“Are you mad? If Darsal looks like a complete stranger to them, you look like a monster with your diseased skin!”

“Don’t be a fool,” Papa shot back gruffly. “You’re assuming this place has no Horde. The Horde probably rule here!”

“I didn’t see any.”

“Because this is a diseased village that—”

“Shut up!” Karas was following as well.

Billos waved his gun again. “Get inside, all of you.”

“Or?” Darsal challenged.

“Or you’ll shoot my sister, whom you supposedly love?” Karas demanded.

“I might choose you instead. Or the monster.”

“No, you won’t,” Papa said, spitting to one side.

“Don’t presume to know the way things work in this new place. All bets are off. I’d pray for the chance to kill you in the desert. Maybe Elyon would answer that prayer here, in Paradise.”