She stopped right in front of him. “Who are you?”

“You don’t remember?” His smile faded a bit. “We trained together as Trackers. I’m Cymrian.”

A faint memory came to her. He had been two years older than she but a few younger in terms of maturity. They had been barely more than children when they started their instruction together.

“Arlingfant asked me to speak with you. Coming here and waiting was her suggestion.” He paused. “Just so you know, it was because she asked. Not because … of anything else.”

“Then she must have faith in you.”

“My sister is a Chosen, too. They work together in the gardens, know each other pretty well. Will you consider me?”

She gave him a measured look. “Why would you want to do this?”

He shifted his feet to reset his stance. “I’m looking for something to do. This seemed like a good fit for me.”

“Do you have any experience?”

“As a Tracker. I’m good at that. But I have other skills. I can protect you.”

She almost laughed out loud. He was a far cry from what the Ard Rhys wanted for her, but closer to what she wanted for herself. She didn’t much care if he could protect her or not as long as he was able to keep out of her way. A Tracker could do that. A Tracker could disappear right in front of you. But was he capable?

She glanced down at the long knife. “Are you any good with that?”

He shrugged. “I’m good with any weapon.”

“Can you put it in that tree over there?” She pointed to a slender alder situated about twenty yards away.

“Where would you like it?”

That stopped her. “In that bole about halfway up the trunk. Do you see it?”

He moved so fast that she had barely finished asking the question before the knife was out of its sheath and in his hand. His arm swept up in an underhand throw and the long knife struck the center of the bole with a dull thump.

She nodded slowly. “All right. The job is yours. Just stay out of my way and do what I ask. For now, that means shadowing me wherever I go without letting me see you. Keep me safe from whatever you decide threatens. Can you do that?”

He nodded silently. She extended her hand, and he took it. “I’m sorry I didn’t remember you.”

He smiled faintly, took back his hand, and walked over to the tree to retrieve his knife. Once he had it, he kept going until he disappeared into the trees.

There was something about him, she thought. She sensed it, but couldn’t give it a name.

She was still standing there staring off into space when Arlingfant came out of the house. “Did you give him the job?”

Aphen nodded. “He was your choice?”