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“I’m…new in these parts,” the stranger went on, making Zai debate internally whether he should just get up and leave.
He liked his peace and quiet. He was used to solitude. He had no use for hangers-on.
But there was something about the stranger thatmadehim stay.
“Can you tell me what…uh…Age this is? Where we are? And who’s in charge?”
Zai slid a sideways look at the idiot man.
Truly, did he not know? Was he addled in the head?
He decided to humor the stranger and replied, “It is the first cycle of the Dark Queen Ashlu’s rule. The citadel behind this village, cut into the mountain, is the Dark Fortress of the Queen. You are in the capital of the Dark Ones, puny mortal. Which makes you either extremely stupid, mad or brave.”
“Huh,” the man muttered.
He didn’t seem particularly perturbed by this information, but he certainly didn’t look pleased either.
Then he said, spearing Zai with disarmingly bright blue-green eyes, “I’m not that puny, you know. I’m almost as tall as you, and I can fight. You don’t have to talk to me like I’m some foul shit you accidentally stepped on.”
The boy had balls.
“You’re human,” Zai pointed out. And, really, that was all that needed to be said to make his point.
“Yeah, but I’m a badass human warrior,” the young man returned, flashing a quick toothsome grin.
Despite himself, Zai huffed an abbreviated laugh.
It was hard not to like the stranger. There was something irresistibly compelling about him.
“My name is Ben, by the way. What’s yours?”
Zai really didn’t want to exchange identifying information or anything remotely personal. But, it appeared to be the truth that this stranger was entirely new to this land. He wouldn’t know to report Zai to the Dark Enforcers for daring to set foot again in the capital. This much, Zai was certain.
What was the harm?
Again, before his brain could fully process the situation, his instincts made him answer.
“Zaidu,” he grunted reluctantly.
“Zai,” he added, before he could stop himself.
“Oh, hey! That’s awesome,” Ben exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.
“Yet another rhyming name. My…er…uncle used to be called Rai. His brothers are Kai and Sai. I feel like we’re family already. What serendipity!”
He grinned winningly at Zai.
Who scowled ferociously back.
“Anyway…” he murmured, a little subdued but not discouraged, “Thanks for helping me out. I don’t suppose I can stick with you for a while until I get my bearings in this land? I can help—”
“You are a weakness,” Zai growled, cutting him off.
“The only way you can help is for me to drain you of blood and soul, thus building my strength.”
Ben gulped, and his eyes widened just a tad.
“Well, short of that, I’m sure I can help in other ways. I’m pretty smart—”
