Page 17 of Lake of Sorrow
“I don’t like that I’m capable of that either, but, if you refer to the events in the castle, given what they were there for, I don’t regret that.”
A long moment passed, and Kaylina wished she could see their faces.
“Are you referring to the events in the castle?” Vlerion finally asked.
The newspaper rustled again. “You tell me.”
“I didn’t kill the rebels that have been found in the last couple of days if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Are you sure? You’ve said you don’t remember everything when you’re the beast.”
“I’m sure because I haven’t been the beast. I don’t forget when that happens.” Vlerion’s tone turned dry. “Neither does my wardrobe.”
“All right. I’d just like to know. Something with claws is killing people in the city, and we’re being blamed. Us and our beast.”
“I’m aware, but I would tell you if I turned.”
“Would you? In the catacombs, you didn’t mention it until after I noticed one of the Virt bodies was missing his head. Gorily.”
“Is there a non-gory way to lose one’s head?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I didn’t deny it when you asked.”
“But you didn’t volunteer the information ahead of time. I got the feeling you were hoping I wouldn’t notice.”
Vlerion sighed. “What do you want from me, Targon?”
“Not to be blindsided. And to have your loyalty.”
“You’ve always had it.”
“You seem a little divided when it comes to her. And lately you’re more… secretive.”
“Targon.”
“All I’m saying is that your mother has a point. Maybe you should stay away from her.”
“Don’t tell me you care about Kaylina.”
“I care about you, you obtuse bastard. But I don’t want to lose my anrokk either. Did you see her firing her sling while riding that taybarri like she’d been practicing it for years?”
The praise might have pleased Kaylina, but she well remembered how poor her aim from Levitke’s back had been. She’d struggled to compensate for the taybarri’s unpredictable movement.
“I want her as a ranger,” Targon continued. “She could be one of our leaders one day. If we can get her to focus on training and not making booze. Though I did get a taste of that mead. It’s damn good. Even if I hadn’t believed you when you shared that wild story about the innkeeper being motivated to frame her out of fear of competition, I might have changed my mind after tasting it. I want her alive and working for the kingdom—for us—not dead in a river somewhere.”
“I want her alive as well.” Vlerion didn’t comment on the rest.
“Then you should stay away from her. Help her clear her name, but don’t invite her into your room. That’s too much of a temptation, even for you. I’m positive.”
“I didn’t invite her. In fact, I ordered her to stay away.”
“That worked real well. You need to flog her until she brings her mouth and actions in line with what’s proper for a commoner and a ranger trainee.”
“Yes, I’m certain beating her is the way to win her allegiance.”
“It’s called discipline, Vlerion. Young rangers are supposed to obey their superiors.”