Page 44 of Taming Chaos

The unnaturally silent cadence of Torin’s feet. The strong, musky smell of the Bartharrans. The nervous grunts coming from Parrus.

Her own fear, wrapping around her chest, threatening to paralyze her.

Keep walking.

Seph made a choice. She could listen to the insistent voice of reason inside her head, or she could listen to the man who had saved her life.

The decision was surprisingly easy.

As Torin moved, so did she, walking even faster in order to catch up with him.

I trust you.

She didn’t know why he had come to her rescue back there on Zarhab Groht. She didn’t know exactly what he was, who he worked for, or where he had come from, but he’d been good to her and bad to their enemies, and that was all that mattered.

Forward.

“I don’t t-think…” A small voice made Seph glance over her shoulder. Behind her, Parrus stopped. The Veronian turned in the other direction, preparing to flee.

“Stay with us, Parrus. Do you think he’s going to let those guys walk all over us?”

The Bartharrans were almost upon them. God, they were huge. Dozens of red eyes pierced through her, made all the more intimidating because the sclera of a Bartharran was pitch black. Bare chests glistened with sweat, accentuating their dark tribal tattoos. Their protruding sharp lower tusks distorted the shape of their lips, giving them a distinctly beastly appearance.

“…alhak.”

Huh? Seph strained to hear what they were saying.

Malhakmalhakmalhak.

Malhak.

That was the name they’d called Torin before.

The chanting grew louder and more fervent, and as Torin reached the first row of Bartharran warriors, the hulking yellow aliens… stepped aside.

The sea of men parted, forming two columns on either side. Malevolent hatred filled their eyes, sending a warning prickle down Seph’s neck.

What the hell was going on? Even as the Bartharrans conceded, they watched Torin closely, making Seph feel as if the slightest slip-up would get them all killed.

“Keep moving,” Torin said in English. “Don’t look at them. Don’t hesitate. Don’t show them even an inkling of what you’re thinking. They are like predators in the wild. If they sense fear, it will embolden them.”

Got it. Seph kept her eyes down, grateful for her hood, which cast shadow across her face. The sound of Parrus’s quick footsteps from behind filled her with relief. Thank the stars the Veronian had the presence of mind to stick with them.

The Bartharrans grunted and snorted and stamped their feet. One of them almost reached out to touch her, but Torin waved the point of his blade at the male’s outstretched fingers, the message abundantly clear.

Touch her and I’ll cut your fucking hand off.

Sweat trickled down her back. She didn’t dare breathe. All she could do was focus on the reassuring sight of Torin’s broad back.

Keep going, keep going…

And then suddenly, they were out. Seph breathed a sigh of relief as the Bartharrans turned and walked away. “What was that all about?”

“Everything in this place is a test,” Torin said, slowing down so Seph could catch up to him. “That is how Bartharrans are. The moment you back down or show any sign of weakness, you’re finished. They’re constantly looking for an opening so they can kill me and restore the status quo, but I won’t give it to them. I’m stronger than them. Bartharrans believe mercy is a sign of weakness and strength is next to godliness, and that’s why they won’t touch me.”

“They think you’re merciless?”

“Unfortunately, I have to be.” The sigh that escaped his lips was tinged with frustration. “It’s a curse.”

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