Chapter 227 (2/2)

But then he turned away, facing back towards Helen, and opened his mouth. But before he could speak, another individual arrived on the scene.

“Ghosthound. I’ve been looking for you.”

Islinda’s eyes widened. A beautiful woman with long silver hair and crimson eyes stepped slowly forward, her athletic frame moving with the dangerous grace of a predator. That was…. Azriel Blanche. And the name Ghosthound…

Islinda bit her lip to control her face. So he was a competitor in the tournament…. And one with enough power to enter the final 32. Truly, her daughter had good taste.

The Ghosthound turned to Azriel, looking annoyed. He crossed his arms. “I looked for you too. You didn’t need to do that. But thank you.”

Azriel tilted her head to the side. “But I did anyway. I wanted something, so I am moving to take it. That is the prerogative of those with power. Accept, or I’ll kill you.”

“You certainly are charming.” The Ghosthound sat down, looking seriously at Azriel.

“It was a joke. I find that humor often lightens the mood. How about this one…. Well nevermind. I’ll spear you the details and get straight to the point.” Azriel looked intently at the Ghosthound, a small smile on her face.

There was a long moment of silence.

Islinda laughed politely, and the rest of the non-Helen members of her family followed suit awkwardly. The other male spear user vomited again. The Ghosthound put his head in his hands.

Azriel tilted her head to the side. “Did you not get it?”

“Let’s… set that aside for now. What do you want?”

Azriel flashed a bright smile. “Follow me, Ghosthound. This must be kept a secret.”

He nodded slowly, and the two left. After they had gone, Islinda sat still, knowing her daughter. She dithered and awkwardly stood. Helen obviously expected her mother to launch into a series of questions. Which, admittedly, she truly wanted to ask. But she wanted the answers, not the feeling of asking the questions, so she needed to lure Helen back.

Unfortunately, the male spear user wandered off, and after a moment’s hesitation, Helen followed him, glancing back at Islinda. She simply waved at her departing daughter.

After she left, Islinda beckoned Ikaas over, giving her very detailed instructions on what would happen next. Before she would move, she needed information. How was Helen related to these parties, how intimately. Because only then would Islinda know the best way to use them.

*****

“Drak Wyrd…. is strong.” Azriel announced, once they had left the bustling thoroughfares of Deardun and retreated to a distant watch tower. From it, they could see the surrounding countryside, covered in its strange, unfamiliar vegetation. Much to his annoyance, Randidly couldn’t stop thinking about how alone they were up here, in this watchtower. His eyes kept absently tracing the lines of the formfitting leather that covered her body.

Abruptly, Randidly realized the silence had stretched between them for a while, and he glanced at Azriel. But she was gazing out towards the wilderness, her silver hair falling and framing her face.

Randidly sighed to himself. This was a really bad time to develop a crush. From a woman who filled him with holes a day ago. Maybe that was the reason why. Or maybe it was because she didn’t seem to respect him any more or less based on his strength. Which he supposed was foolish to think. He doubted they would be having this conversation if he was weak. It was just an attitude thing.

“Then why did he agree to surrender to me? You didn’t need-”

“But I did. You weren’t ready. And you were the only spear user I saw this week that left me surprised. You still aren’t ready. But that can change. As for what I promised him… If he wins the tournament, I will marry him.” Azriel turned and looked at Randidly. “I expect he will knock me up rather quickly, which I would prefer to avoid for now. Oh, I’m not against children, it's just a bit soon.”