Page 33 of On a Barbarian World

“That’s right, you want to use me first.” Her cheeks turned pink. “For my knowledge.”

Her knowledge was now the least of what he wanted from her. “You help me find the sword and share your knowledge with my people, and I will give you your e-beacon.”

“Fine.” She grabbed some clean clothes and stomped off into the bathroom. A moment later, he heard the splash of water as she bathed.

As Kavon dressed, he wasn’t sure why he felt so…disturbed. He was a warlord, he did as he pleased. What one pretty stranger from the stars thought mattered little to him.

When she returned, her lovely hair was caught back in some complicated knot. He frowned. He didn’t like it. He wanted to yank the damn thing out and let her hair free.

“I really wish I had my Sync,” she said.

“Sync?”

“It’s a small computer…ah, it’s a device, about this big—” she moved her hands “—I use it to write on, store information, that sort of thing. It would make this search a lot easier. Guess it’s in a pile of pulverized pieces in the Wilds.”

No, it was sitting in a locked room above them.

Soon, he was leading her to the scholars’ domain. He bellowed for some breakfast to be brought, and had a quiet word with Colm.

Finally, they reached the door to the large, airy library. Colm appeared and handed Kavon what he’d asked for.

Kavon turned to Aurina. “Before we go in.” He handed the object to her.

“My Sync!” She pressed it to her chest, then she eyed him. “Why give this to me now?”

“Because I do as I please.”

“You are so infuriating.” But her words held no heat. “Thank you, Kavon. This will really help. It makes me mostly forgive you for not telling me about the e-beacon.”

He liked seeing the happy light in her eyes. “Good.” He pushed open the door.

Chaldora stood. The woman was their chief healer, but also a knowledgeable scholar. She was running the team searching for the sword.

Beside her, a thin, young man popped to his feet. Davin had been crippled as a young child, and therefore unable to complete warrior training. It seemed the boy was eminently suited to being a scholar. He loved knowledge, books, and peppering people with questions. The third scholar in the room was a woman, only a little older than Aurina. Kata didn’t look much like a scholar. Her dark hair fell in braids on either side of her pretty face, and she was extremely opinionated. She shot a suspicious look at Aurina.

“Scholars.” Kavon pulled Aurina close to his side. “I would like an update on the search.”

“Warlord.” Both Davin and Kata bowed their heads.

Chaldora nodded at him, then smiled at Aurina. “Aurina Skyflyer, you look recovered.”

“I am, thank you.”

“Sit, please.” The old woman waved at the solid wooden chairs at the table.

Aurina took a seat, but Kavon stayed standing. “I would like you all to tell Aurina everything you know about Durendal and the search.”

Kata’s eyes widened. “Why?” she said sharply.

He narrowed his gaze, noting the stubborn, suspicious look on the young scholar’s face. “Because I ordered you to.”

There was a sigh from Aurina and then she touched his arm. “Because I’ve agreed to help in any way I can. Where I’m from, I’m a scout. I’m good at finding things.” She smiled. “Kavon told me you’ve been working hard and have gathered a lot of information.”

Kata’s stiff body relaxed the smallest fraction. “You don’t plan to steal the sword for yourself?”

Aurina laughed. “I can’t go anywhere, Kata, and even if I could, what would I do with a sword?”

Some servers bustled in with platters of food—cooked meats, eggs, and freshly-cut fruit.