Sin and Soil 9 by Anya Merchant

Author:Anya Merchant [Merchant, Anya]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2021-01-05T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

Damon was about to head back into the flaqayai when a movement from the trees below snagged his attention. A figure stepped out from behind a tall bush and gave a hesitant wave up to him. It was immediately clear who it was, just from the mop of blond hair and familiar posture.

“Were you hiding down there, Austine?” called Damon.

“Guilty as charged,” said Austine. “Wrath is terrifying. I have no idea what gives you the courage to speak to her so flippantly.”

“I’ve seen her naked before,” he said. “It helps a bit.”

Austine shook his head. “Good one.”

“Wasn’t a joke. Do you have some purpose for this visit, or would you prefer to huddle outside a while longer?”

They met downstairs, in the flaqayai’s common room. Despite Damon’s best attempt at staying quiet as he climbed down the ladder to the second floor, Ria awoke from the commotion.

“I did not realize that we had guests,” she said.

“I’m not sure I’d describe Austine as a guest, but he’s here, regardless.”

She came down to join them, and Damon was rather amused by the way Austine studiously avoided looking at her body, clad only in the scant cloth of her nightgown. They sat around the low table, and Damon passed Austine the sour Rem liquor and enjoyed his reaction as he took an overlarge sip.

“So,” said Damon. “How’d you survive our last encounter? I seem to recall stabbing you through the chest and pushing you into a river.”

“You must also recall aiming your strike to avoid major injury and giving me a warning before your push,” said Austine, with a smirk. “My survival involved a fair amount of bleeding and a stolen horse, but I’ve sufficiently recovered in the time since.”

“So you have. Now tell me why the fuck you’re here.”

“Haven’t you guessed already?” asked Austine. “We’re basically seeking the same thing, just on the orders of two rival Forsaken. We’ve been here before, Damon.”

It was hard to parse through the emotions that seeing Austine’s smug smile stirred within Damon. He was so sick of fighting his oldest friend, sick to the point of hating Austine and blaming him for it. He was also… remarkably glad to see him doing well. But that didn’t mean that he wasn’t going to oblige his game.

“I can’t say I know what you’re talking about,” said Damon. “Ria and I are here visiting some of her extended family.”

“She’s an orphan, just like you,” said Austine. “She has no extended family. Not that I would have believed your lie even if you’d been able to name names.”

“Why else would we be here?” asked Damon, bringing a finger to rub against his chin.

“The Athlatak has made impressive progress in unifying the Rem clans,” said Austine. “It’s clear that he could well be more than he seems. One of the Forsaken, even. Malice or Craven.”

Damon didn’t say anything. He was curious if Austine knew more than he did, and the best way to find out seemed to be to simply let him talk.

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