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The moment had blindsided her, reminding her that Duncan wasn’t the only one with issues. She said softly, “What kind of life is this for anyone?”
He pulled her against him. “I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder if I hadn’t been the son of a famous Militia Warrior, I might have chosen a different path.”
She was so stunned; she drew back and looked up at him. “You’re serious? Duncan, I’ve never heard you so much as hint you would have ever done something else with your life.”
“I know. And I also know, like you, I’m built for this life. It’s a weird paradox.”
She sighed. “There are moments, like this one, when the nature and sheer size of the mountain in front of us overwhelms me. Do you think those men in the vision were part of Merl’s team?”
“I think it’s even worse. I now believe Merl served as the leader of the Warriors of the Blood on Third and when he left, he thought he was saving them all, his sister included.”
“Oh, God,” she whispered. “And instead, Yolanthe imprisoned them.”
“And soon, she’ll kill them. We have to get them all out. I see that now. But I have no idea how we’ll be able to get the job done.”
She felt it as well, the future hurtling toward the team, demanding more from each than she could have ever imagined.
He added, “Since I’m having visions, my guess is Yolanthe has a Seer or possibly several working for her. She might already know about us. At the very least, she’s seeking information about me. I know she’s not finished trying to put me back in harness.”
Rachel sighed and for a moment laid her head on his chest. The future felt so uncertain yet full of demands. She’d already made the commitment to the team, and she wouldn’t back out now, but Merl’s distress had definitely reminded her of all the stakes involved.
~
Duncan held Rachel close, not wanting to let her go.
There was nothing simple in this group of warriors. If what Duncan believed was true, Merl felt responsible that his men were in prison, God help him.
After a moment, he released Rachel. “We should join the others.”
“I know.”
Once in the living room, Jean-Pierre held up a box. “Rachel, this is for you. Warrior Santiago sent it over when I told him I would be seeing you tonight.”
Rachel went to Jean-Pierre immediately, taking the box from him. “My new daggers. And he said he was having a holster set made as well.”
“A holster set?” Jean-Pierre asked.
Rachel shrugged. “That’s what he called it.”
“Not a belt?” Duncan had no idea what Santiago had been up to.
“Nope.” Rachel sat down and settled the large box on her lap. She flipped the latch and lifted the lid, then pulled out a black leather belt with two holsters attached and leather strings dangling from the end of each.
Holding it up, she said, “I get it now. These strings tie around my thighs. Genius.” She glanced at Duncan. “Look, there are four angled slots on each side panel. I’ll have ten daggers at my disposal, four on each hip and two in my weapons harness. This is perfect.”
At the bottom of the box were eight daggers in a row, each in its own sheath.
She carefully took the first one out, her eyes wide. “He made these himself, didn’t he?” She glanced up at Jean-Pierre.
“Oui, bien sur. He is a craftsman and he is obsessed.”
Duncan knew Santiago had a love of weaponry, including daggers, and was always working on some new project or other. When he’d seen Rachel’s skill a couple of weeks ago at HQ, he’d told her he’d put something together for her. Duncan had thought maybe he’d create a new blade. Instead, he’d made eight.
Rachel stood up and immediately donned the belt, using the strings to tie each holster down around her thighs. Duncan had to take a few deep breaths because the whole look got to him, leather on leather, each dagger sliding into its slot, and Rachel’s eyes glittering.
“I can’t wait to do some practicing.” She palmed one of the daggers from her right holster. “Oh, yeah. This is fantastic.”
Duncan had to look away. But Jean-Pierre caught his eye and grinned at him, a very knowing look that made Duncan shake his head.
