Page 64 of Tribute
Graif shrugged. “Apparently, we’re the aliens. TheUngrichgot here first.”
Aled raised his hand. “Can you tell us what theseUngrichlook like, sir?”
“No. We don’t have any images of them. You don’t need that information. Do what you’re told by theUngrichand you will be returned unharmed.”
“So we’re basically their science project?”
A muscle twitched in Kai’s cheek. “Price, shut up.”
“I just wanted?—”
“Shut the fuck up. Do you want to be gagged, or would you prefer to enjoy the dinner your grateful government has provided for you to celebrate your heroic service?”
Aled subsided into his seat. Kai sounded like he hated the words he was saying, which wasn’t inspiring. Aled still didn’t understand how the training he’d received would have any bearing on what was to come next, but it seemed he would be getting no answers. He followed the others into the dining hall and sat down between Kai and Malke. Their small group of eight barely took up a quarter of the long table.
Graif whistled as the food was delivered and everyone started eating. Aled picked up his tankard and almost gagged when he realized he was drinkingkvasand not water.
“Vas.” Graif leaned over to touch his mug against Aled’s. “To tomorrow and whatever the gods wish for us.”
“Vas.” He drank the contents down in one. If he was going to die tomorrow, he might as well enjoy his last night. Whatever theUngrichwere, they weren’t going to make survival easy. He had a sense that a Mitan death would mean little to them.
Beside him, Kai drank hiskvasand stared into the distance, his expression remote, his mouth a hard line.
“Do you think I’ll survive?” Aled asked abruptly.
“I damn well hope so.”
“How many usually make it?”
Kai took another long slug ofkvas. “You don’t need to know that, Price.”
“How many?”
Kai turned to face him, his green gaze somber. “Not enough, and with only four of you going in . . . your task will be much harder.”
“Our task to do what?”
“Give theUngrichwhat they need.” Kai’s mouth twisted as he stood up. “Now go to bed, Price. You’ll need your sleep.”
Aled instinctively rose to his feet as well. “Are you coming?”
“Not tonight. I have to liaise with the council and theUngrichambassador.”
“But you will be there tomorrow when we go in?”
“Of course I will.” Kai raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Do you want me to give you a good-bye kiss?” He nodded and walked away.
After a stunned second, Aled went after him. Kai spoke without turning around.
“What is it now?”
“You are fucking impossible.”
“I am what I need to be.” Kai sighed, the sound echoing in the stone passageway. “What do you want to say, Price?”
“I wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me.” Kai stopped dead. “For fuckingwhat?”
