Page 103 of Rogue Elves of Ardani

“You’re finally awake,” Toreg said. “I was beginning to think you might sleep all the way there.”

“All the way where?”

“Where do you think?”

She wanted to cry. She grit her teeth, yanking at her ropes in impotent frustration.

The ropes were tied to a metal ring on the side of the cart, keeping her from reaching him. Even if she wasn’t bound, Toreg was wearing long sleeves, a hood, and gloves. She doubted he’d let her get anywhere near him after what had happened last time.

“Do me a favor and don’t cause trouble,” Toreg said. “Just relax. He doesn’t want to hurt you. You have nothing to worry about.”

Patros might not physically harm her, but there would be a harsh punishment awaiting her—she didn’t doubt that.

She couldn’t go back to that life. She couldn’t be a slave again. A puppet. An executioner. A mind-flayer.

“You can’t take me back to him,” she said.

He gave her an amused look. Clearly, he could take her wherever he liked.

“Toreg, you must turn this cart around right now.”

“Why would I do that?”

“You don’t want to work for him, either. You said as much back at the prison. Trust me, you were right to be reluctant. He’s not a pleasant person to work for. You don’t want to get involved with him.”

He returned his gaze to the road, putting his back to her.

“Tell me what you want,” she said. “I’ll give you whatever you want. Do… whatever you want. Please.”

He looked at her over his shoulder. His eyes slithered over her body. He smiled. “Listen. You seem like a nice girl. I wish I could take you up on it. But I’m not an idiot.” He paused, possibly remembering what had happened the last time they’d met. He shrugged and added, “Most of the time.”

“You’re a coward. And an idiot.”

“‘Coward’ is what fools call people who are clever enough to live when others die.”

“Asshole.”

“Now, that’s not polite. Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.”

“Bastard.”

“Come on, stop it.”

“Pig.”

He sighed and tossed another handful of nightshade powder over her. She flinched, but there was no avoiding it. She sneezed.

“Fu—” she began, and she was unconscious before she could finish.

Chapter 29

Sarna described what she’d seen in her mirrors. A horse-drawn cart traveling down the south road out of the city. Crow, looking angry. A man’s face—Northern, with a shag of dark hair and equally unkempt facial hair.

Vaara surmised that the man was Toreg. He regretted not killing him the last time they’d met.

Then Sarna described the place she’d seen them heading toward. A large house with a stained glass window, near a forest. It was the same place she’d seen the last time she’d tried to find Patros.

Outside the city, freezing wind blew across the hills. Vaara pulled his scarf up to the bridge of his nose. Sarna’s steps were short and quick ahead of him. She was a small person, but she moved efficiently. Her mage torch bobbed in her hand as she walked.

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