Chapter 61: A Friend in Need

ETAN

It was like finding a mirage in the desert. Though, a mirage surrounded by poison trees and rotting carcasses. The soldiers kept a circle, guarding her, and approached as soon as he drew close, ready to turn him back by force if necessary—they'd had that edge in their gazes. But as soon as Trystan called to him, they'd backed off. They wouldn't abuse him in front of anyone that could get them into trouble.

When Trystan beckoned him, he'd glared at the two guards. They'd parted reluctantly, one of them muttering, "Bastard prick," as he passed. He clenched his teeth, but ignored it, riding the three horse lengths to where Ayleth and Tristan had stopped.

Ayleth's eyes were wide, but her face expressionless. Trystan was smiling. Etan greeted him first, then met Ayleth's eyes and nodded. "Highness," he said, working so hard to keep emotion from his voice he ended up sounding angry.

Ayleth nodded back. "Lord Summit."