“This isn’t a democracy,” Beast of Burden said. “This is a fucking tyranny. You signed on for it, and you agreed I’m leader because I’m good for the business and track record. You also agreed that if the crown is moving to another head, it’s going to do so outside of jobs. Leaders can’t be second-guessed on the field.”

“Either we run or we press on,” Damsel said, second-guessing him.

“Enough,” Beast of Burden said.

“If we press on, we’re going to face worse than we just did. I agree with Sidepiece and Nailbiter. It makes sense,” Damsel said.

Her power sparked again. She maintained her balance, overcompensated, and stumbled a step the other way.

“You okay?” Sveta asked.

“Just fine,” Damsel said, curt and sounding anything but. She turned back to Beast of Burden. “Don’t be a wuss, Beast. You look weaker trying to go this alone than you do taking the help.”

Before Beast of Burden could reply, Love Lost approached him from behind. She rapped claws with blood still on them on the back of his armor.

He turned.

She pointed at Nailbiter, then at us.

“She’s the client,” Damsel said.

He stabbed a finger her way. “Last warning.”

Her power sparked. This time she fell.

“Good. Stay like that,” Beast of Burden said. He stepped forward and placed one iron boot on the edge of her dress. Damsel remained where she was. Struggling would have been futile.

“Don’t be a dick,” I said.

“Don’t interject yourself into our business. If the client wants help, fine. We’ll do this.”

“We need to find the hostages. We’ll reunite with another group we’re working with and use their thinkers or other resources. If there’s a confrontation, we work together,” I said.

Beast of Burden shrugged, spreading his gauntlet-clad hands slightly. He stepped off of Damsel’s dress, and went to walk in the direction the fighting had gone. It seemed with Prancer mobile and Velvet having some emphasis on enhanced maneuverability when driving with her telekinesis, they were moving around a lot, and the Fallen were giving chase. They had moved away since the fight with Valefor.

Love Lost pointed. She didn’t spare Damsel a glance as she walked on. Some of the others joined her. Nailbiter, Disjoint, and Etna. Sidepiece lingered as Damsel picked herself up. Her arm sparked twice, but she didn’t fall.

She gave us a look, then stalked away.

We cut through the north end of the settlement, toward the northwest corner, and the sound of ongoing confrontation got us jogging after them. Well, I flew, but the rest jogged or ran.