Page 75 of Shifter King
"First, a general warning. You and your friends clearly intend to go after these Bealorns. You should know that they have a number of weapons that they use against Vawtrians. The worst is a manticore-cabiza hybrid venom and then a short-fang and fire scorpion hybrid. We have no antidotes for either of these, and when they combine them, I think even for Vawtrians like you, they could be deadly. So far as your other actual problem, well—I'm not one to believe in prophecies, but many Bealorns do. And I've heard rumors about this Neyeb that is supposed to come and be the mother of a new race. There is a lot of interest in her. So I think your answer is to get more Bealorns involved."
"What if they respond the same way as Zorna?"
Laachtue tapped her finger against the device and squinted as she examined the readout. "They won't. At least not all of them. Probably not even most. The Reskal Bealorns have a particular reputation. Some of the things that happened to them, well—" She slid the device along Eskiatlo's arm. "Not all are like that. And there are two who would help you. The Megistal Bealorns and the Palki Bealorns. They do not support slavery in any of its forms, and they have helped in other situations. And the fact is, Zorna is trying to pull a quick one over on the other Bealorns. She's got the one Neyeb in the world locked up in her city and plans to claim her and use her for her service alone. I promise, there are other Bealorn princes, principals, chieftains, and even lone leaders who would like the chance to be the Father of the New Neyeb or have their sons fulfill that role. There will be inquiries."
Giving Eskiatlo's arm another quick rub, she stood. "My guess is Zorna hoped to break your Neyeb friend into compliance and make her swear total allegiance to her so that by the time any of the other Bealorns did learn what happened, she could portray it as your friend's choice. But word does travel fast out here once it starts. I'll make sure that the leaders of the Megistal and Palki know before dark. Have someone ready at your campsite tomorrow at dawn. I don't know what they'll want. Maybe nothing. Maybe a bargain. Whatever it is, they can be trusted."
"Will you be there?"
Laachtue shook her head, her hand rising to her face and the dark triangle tattoos along her cheekbone. "No. While I do trust them and they trust me, there are limits. And understandably so. They will not want me to be aware of their precise business any more than I would want others to know mine." She lifted her chin then, a broader smile replacing the small one. "And I do not blame them for that. Secrets are how we have survived without being entirely ground down."
"One more question. Why are they coming to us if they are leaders of their own nations?" QueQoa studied her. It seemed that there were other things she wanted to say but couldn't.
Laachtue clipped her bag shut. "Because of what's at stake and because they won't want you to know where their homes and cities are. And they might choose not to come. But knowing them, they will. This is too big. A mindreader existing at all is a powerful weapon. One who could give them a line that would give their children that ability…well, it's obvious how that would create some level of competition and concern. One more thing you should know about the Megistal and Palki. Their leaders are cousins. About fifty years ago, there was a split and they separated the tribe into two separate nations along with their beast focus. But they are close. Insult one, you insult the other. Cross one, you cross the other. Understand?"
"Yes." Family was not meant to be crossed or insulted.
"Now." She set her hands on her waist, dipping her head forward. "As much as this pains me, QueQoa, I have to tell you that after this, I cannot see you for at least a week. At least not like this. I am sorry there isn't more I can do. But my superiors are starting to get suspicious, and I can't risk much more."
QueQoa nodded. "Thank you for all you have done." He dipped his head forward as well, mirroring her movement. "We would have been lost without you."
A small smile tugged at her pleasant mouth. "Maybe. But you also strike me as someone who figures out a way." She turned her focus then to Eskiatlo once more. "You should be feeling much better in the next day or so, but you're going to be tired. Rest. Eat. Don't get into any fights or run if you can help it. No swimming either." She patted QueQoa's chest, her hand lingering just a half breath on the dragon design over his heart. "I think this one will make sure you're safe. He's a good one. Probably one of the best."
He tried to think of something even somewhat clever to say, but she had already stepped back. "Goodbye, QueQoa," she said. "I look forward to seeing you again."
"And I you," he said. Then he stopped, his brow pinching. "Laachtue—"
She stopped short, turning to look at him with soft eyes.
"Why are you willing to help us when you put yourself at risk so much?"
She smiled broader, her eyes brightening. "Can't you guess? I'd have thought it was obvious." Then she walked away.
QueQoa frowned.
Eskiatlo smiled at him, her shoulders slumped and her eyelids heavy. "I think that means she likes you."
"Maybe…" He shrugged as he watched the space where she'd been. "But that's not why she would have come the first time. Naatos grabbed her and demanded she help Amelia. He probably made some sort of threat, knowing him. So…maybe she's saying she's still afraid of him?
"Which one is he?" Eskiatlo asked.
"The one that pulled you out of the water."
"Oh." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Yes, he is terrifying. She probably is afraid of him. But she's brave. I think she'll be back. And I still think she likes you. As much as you can trust that."
True enough. Not that it really mattered at the moment. He needed to get Eskiatlo to safety and then he'd pass on this message to his brothers.
THE CELL
The sun was already going down. No sign of her at all. No sign of any city either. Surely this city could be found. How could any group of more than a hundred disappear entirely? Especially in a place like this?
Naatos snarled.
AaQar bellowed for him from below. Its rawness snagged him back. He practically fell from the sky, the wind tearing at his face and ripping at his body. Letting his state of rest fall away, he transformed and healed just as he struck the ground. The soft earth dented, the grass crushed and scraped to the side. He staggered three steps to the left before straightening.
AaQar gave him that stern older brother look he hated. It was good AaQar was feeling better, but he didn't want any lectures now. He returned the glare.
"What?" he demanded.
