'I didn't need Locke. I just—' My cheeks grow warm. 'I just wanted?—'
I notice another speaking glance between them.
'He didn't trick you?’ Jak asks carefully. ‘Or lie to you? Love, he may have worked a conjure. You might not even be aware?—’
'No,' I say beseechingly, wishing they would both understand. 'Truly. It was as he said. He found me by the river and took me to Gwen's. That’s all. He saved my life. It was I who…’
I look down at my plate and pop another morsel in my mouth, so I don't have to finish the sentence, not sure what exactly to say.
Jak leans back in his chair. Both males appear more than a little relieved.
'He still lied,' Morgan grunts. 'Still had us go in the opposite direction when he had an idea of where Bryn was.'
'He did,' Jak admits. ‘But he’s also been watching when we could not, making sure Bryn was safe. It’s more than I thought he’d do when we returned to Halsford. Much more.’
Morgan lets out a noncommittal grumble.
‘What we need to understand is why fae would do the bidding of humans, luring Bryn out to the river like that.’
Jak nods.
‘Why were you even a target at all, Bryn? The Underhill wants Fiana. You’re our best chance of getting her,’ Morgan rumbles. ‘And why wouldn’t the Underhill ensure their agents would be in Kitore in time?’
‘Unless Calder is thwarting them,’ Jak muses. ‘We’ve said before that he’s never had so much power as he does now. That’s due to the Underhill’s enemies and their fears. He could be vetoing every plan on the table. Stalling for time to help Fiana.’
‘If so, do you think he’s acting alone?’ I ask.
‘Who’s to say? Calder and Tavish have been in each other’s pockets since they joined Halsford’s Council. Everyone knows it. They could well have initiated a coup of some kind, with Voss’ help within the Underhill. Perhaps that’s why Lia wanted us togo so quickly. Perhaps that’s why they tried to kill Bryn before she could come here.’
‘But that doesn’t make sense either,’ I murmur. ‘Calder made the deal with me. Why bother if he didn’t think he needed me?’
‘A double bluff?’ Morgan mutters. ‘For show, maybe. Appearances are important, especially in his position.’
Jak sits back on his chair, letting out a long breath. ‘And Voss ishisenforcer.’
‘Gods, must our enemies come at us from all directions?’ Morgan growls.
‘Aye, it does seem that way,’ Jak mutters. ‘And, if we are right, we truly can’t expect help from the Underhill at all.’
‘We should leave the city. This wasn’t the plan. Bryn was meant to be kept safe and the Underhill’s spies were meant to be here. Your First Scholar didn’t even know we were coming. We aren’t prepared.’
Jak opens his mouth to speak, but I shake my head.
‘The deal,’ I remind them. ‘Calder will have me cast out and no one will be able to stop him.’
‘We’ll find another way, Bryn,’ Jak begins.
I turn on him, eyes flashing, the terror I feel that they’ll call this off and I won’t be able to help get Fiana, voiding the deal I made, suddenly much more potent than my fear of being taken back to the Dark on the morrow.
‘No! I won’t lose my place in the village.’
I take a deep breath as they exchange worried glances.
‘I just want to fulfill my end of the bargain,’ I whisper. ‘Please. I don’t want to leave Halsford.’
‘There are other places, Bryn,’ Jak says gently. ‘Other villages.’
I let out a derisive huff. ‘I won’t be able to stay in the Light. I’ve known masters like Calder. He’s so petty that he’ll have ushunted down. We’d never be able to settle. He’d find us and ensure we were cast into the Dark. All of us.’
