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He looked at me, “Everyone loses sometimes. That’s part of learning. Often you can learn more from a defeat than you can a victory.”
Ugh!
“That was my original intent.” He smirked, and I couldn’t help returning it.
“Einri, Arrow.”
We both turned as Tuck ran up to us.
“Epione is missing.”
“What do you mean, missing?” I asked, my earlier frustrations forgotten.
“She told Brexley she was going to the creek for water. It’s within sight of the camp so Brex thought nothing of it, deciding to keep an eye from a distance until she turned around and Epione was gone.” Tuck answered, his eyebrows scrunched together, worriedly. “Brex ran to me, and I went searching.”
“Did you find anything?” Einri asked when Tuck paused.
“Yes and no.” Tuck answered, running a hand through his hair looking confused. “I could smell her and another scent. I followed it but then it and Epione disappeared like the wolf from last night.”
“Nidar’s crooked teeth!” I swore, pounding my fist into my thigh.
If Rekker had succeeded in kidnapping Epione I’d never forgive myself. She may be Little John’s grandmother, but she was like that to everyone. She’d done more for me and Will than anyone else.
“Where’s Little John?” Einri wondered, coming to the same conclusion I had.
“I sent Will to find him.” Tuck said, tilting his head listening to something then turned as Will and Little John appeared from between two tents.
“Rekker took her! That slimy bastard.” Little John seethed, his muscles bulging as he tensed, ready for anything.
“Do you remember where you spotted him?” Einri asked, eyes narrowing as he thought up a plan.
“Can you lead me there?” I cut in after Einri’s answering nod.
“What? No, Arrow…I…” Little John spluttered, before Einri interrupted.
“Absolutely not!” He sliced his hand through the air punctuating his words.
“Yes! I can’t sit around here with Rekker breathing down our necks. I have a score to settle with him.” I replied, my words were dark and full of vengeance.
“This isn’t a revenge mission, it's a rescue mission.” Tuck pointed out, unhelpfully.
“Will, I’ll need my bow.” I said, ignoring Tuck and turning to Will. “Have Brex find me some replacement arrows.”
“Arrow.” Einri growled, warningly.
“One of us has to go, Einri. We’re in this together, remember? I just volunteered myself so don’t worry.” I tried to be reassuring but judging by Einri’s glower I failed.
“I need to talk to you.” Einri said, in a clipped tone.
“Certainly.” I gestured for him to lead the way.
He stomped toward the trees looking like a petulant child having a tantrum. I followed behind him a small smile on my face as I watched his feathers become more ruffled the further, we went.
“We can’t know for sure if Rekker does have Epione.” Einri began, his face a mask of frustration. “I need you here with me so we can solidify our alliance with the Eylendians. I’ll send Tuck and Little John to confirm that Rekker does have her then I promise we’ll go get her, together.”
I shook my head in both frustration and annoyance that he made sense. We’d discussed that we’d lead together and my going on this rescue mission was going against what we’d agreed upon. How was I going to explain that I needed to go?
“Einri,” I began, reaching out and grabbing his hand. “This alliance is important, and I agree I need to help facilitate it but…I’ve got this feeling…” I shook my head knowing that it sounded crazy. “I need to go on this scouting mission. I can’t explain why but I need to do this.”
