Chapter 373 An Unwelcome Invitation (1/2)
Kaleesh did not speak as they roup of Darians, and fro a strategy for the encounter
Or rather, choosing one of the strategies he'd already prepared
Arran did not think for a moment that Kaleesh had not already planned for the possibility of encountering a Lord in these lands Most likely, he'd gone over every single thing that could happen a hundred tiht face
That had been the single greatest secret contained in the captain's manuscripts — the value of relentless preparation And ht be, that made it no less effective
It only took a few minutes before they saw the Darians appear on the road before them, and immediately, Arran realized that he'd been roup of Darians Rather, there was a Lady, and she looked every bit as forh she was both short and slight of build, she ht — and won — hundreds of battles And at her side, there was a slender Living Shadow saber, which she wore so naturally that it almost seemed to be part of her body
Yet despite her obvious power, Arran could not help but notice that she was beautiful, as well With a head full of light-brown curls, intelligent eyes, and full lips that carried a hint of a smile, there was a radiant vitality to her that iht his interest
The same, however, could not be said for her coht — a gray-haired man with cold eyes and a lean butabout the man that exuded threat, a tenseness that reminded Arran of a dra, ready to snap into action at the slightest provocation
Had he not known that the Lady was far ht's appearance would iarded the man with some unease
Behind the two leaders folloo dozen Rangers, and froroup of ht — and the spoils it would bring
Because while they all carried star them ore starmetal arers a second glance They posed no serious threat — not coroup of mercenaries reached the Darians, and when they did, Kaleesh brought his group to a halt with a gesture
For a roups stood in silence, theat the Lady uneasily as she looked at them with curious eyes
Then, finally, she spoke
”So the rumors were true,” she said ”A co Rannoc's lance at the captain, and asked, ”What business have you in my lands?”
At once, the captain bowed deeply ”We are honored to be in your presence, Lady Raina” He turned to the Knight and offered a second bow, though smaller than the first ”And your consort's, as well”
A small smile crossed the Lady's lips ”If you knoho I ao unanswered Why are you here?”
”My Lady,” Kaleesh replied, ”with your perainst the Blight”
”Though I am a Lady, I am not yours,” she said ”Call me Lady Raina And you do not have my permission to continue your journey — not yet, at least”
”My—” Kaleesh began, then corrected hih your lands, ill depart ih ”There's no need for you to be so hasty in leaving First, introduce yourself”
”My name is Kaleesh,” the captain replied ”I aiven offense by entering your lands unannounced, then—”
”Offense?” she interrupted hiroup of brave warriors wishi+ng to do battle against the Blight?” She shook her head, then gave Kaleesh a smile that held a faint trace ofto the Desolation, it would be a stain upon my honor if I did not invite you for a feast”
”Lady Raina,” the captain said cautiously, ”you honor us too much There is no need for such a welcome — we merely wish to reach the Desolation as soon as possible”
”Nonsense,” she said, in a tone that brooked no argument ”My home is just half a day's travel from here You will accompany us there, and you will accept my hospitality”
Kaleesh briefly looked as if he was about to object, but then, he nodded in acquiescence ”Of course, Lady Raina We are rateful to accept your invitation”
Arran thought the captain's decision a wise one
Though Lady Raina looked friendly enough, he had already realized that she was far ht beside her — and not just because she was ain so a small distance behind the Darians
A few of Arran's co-awaited co them looked every bit as worried as Arran felt