The Crow King's Wife (The Elder Blood Chronicles #5)(130)

With sheer frustration fueling his movements he spun to face Grim. The Shifter sat with his back pressed against a wall intent on something in his hands. His expression was relaxed though his grey eyes were narrowed with concentration. Frowning Shade paced closer in an attempt to see what was keeping the man so well occupied but the gloom of the hall and Grim’s nimble fingers obscured everything but a thin leather cord that dangled across one of his legs.

“I don’t understand why we are waiting.” Shade snapped impatiently.

“Six times.” Grim muttered not bothering to look up from his work.

“I think we should just move now. If we use stealth we can get Charm and the others out without anyone noticing.” Shade continued not bothering to acknowledge Grim’s comment at all. He knew perfectly well how many times he had repeated himself without the Priest pointing it out every time he spoke.

“We wait for the council meeting to start.” Grim said repeating the same tired words he had used every time Shade had broached the subject.

“If we follow your plan and release all of the prisoners we will cause a riot in the city.” Shade pressed and tried to let enough of his frustration bleed into his voice that Grim might actually listen.

“The Fionaveir should have considered that before they locked so many innocent people away. They can’t be left here to rot forever, and they will provide us with a very nice distraction for our escape.” Grim countered in a distracted voice.

“This is a perfect example of you doing the right thing for the wrong reasons.” Shade pointed out bluntly and glared down at the Priest.

“Yes it is.” Grim agreed without the faintest hint of remorse. He let out a sigh and finally raised his eyes to meet Shade’s furious glare. “If we tried to sneak out of here like you want Myth would have the perfect opportunity to ambush us during our escape. Without the benefit of the entire prison rioting we will be forced to cut our way through the Fionaveir. I’d much rather face Myth one on one than with an army of angry prison guards at his back, and I feel inclined to point out once again that Myth is a High Lord and you are an outlaw. Who do you think the Fionaveir guards will listen to? Especially if we have a handful of prisoners with us.”

“The Fionaveir used to be outlaws.” Shade pointed out lamely but he could tell there was no point of pressing the conversation further. Grim’s logic was sound and he knew it. “I just don’t like the idea of causing a riot.” He muttered as he paced across the hall once more.

“There is a very good chance you are going to wear a path if you don’t try to sit still for a bit. Calm down and trust me. This will work.” Grim said with a sigh as he shifted his position against the wall to stretch his legs. “Smoke a cigarette or something.” He suggested with a smirk.

“I’m out.” Shade returned glumly but forced himself to stop his pacing and returned to sit across from Grim. “I’d just rather it was over with.” He admitted and ran a hand through his hopelessly tousled hair.

“That much is obvious.” Grim observed dryly as he tossed the object he had been working on toward Shade. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lose that.” He said as Shade caught the leather cord and stared down at the black amulet attached to it.

“What is it?” he asked as he turned it over in his hands and studied the twisting wires that wrapped around the black stone fastening it securely to the leather cord. He could see tiny runes etched in the stone, but didn’t recognize the magic enough to tell what their purpose was.

“It’s a Bloodstone and given the fact that it is fashioned with my blood I will be in a world of misery if you lose it. You seem so paranoid about being tricked by Myth that I figured you would like a bit of reassurance. It’s the same as the bracelet I have fashioned with your blood, and it serves no other purpose than to let you know when I am nearby. The stone will be warm when I’m present. If you see me and it’s not warm kill whatever is imitating me.” Grim explained.

“What if there is Barllen nearby that is causing the amulet to malfunction and I actually kill you rather than an imposter.” Shade asked as he tied the amulet around his neck and tucked it safely under his shirt.

A snort of amusement burst from Grim’s lips then he noticed Shade’s dry expression and dissolved into a fit of laughter that lasted for several minutes. Shade continued to glare at him until Grim managed to get himself back under control. Still chuckling faintly Grim wiped a hand across his face and beamed a smile at Shade. “Thank you for that.” He said then shook his head at Shade as he rose to his feet. “Kill the real me.” He mumbled and shook his head again still smiling widely.

“You know I did drop you to the stones in Delvay.” Shade reminded him and struggled to keep the petulant tone from his voice.

“Yes you did.” Grim agreed in a placating voice and smiled indulgently down at Shade as if he were a child. “And it will never ever happen again.” He added with a wink.

“I’m not a complete bitch!” Shade protested as he rose to his feet as well.

“I know you aren’t.” Grim agreed pleasantly as he began to walk slowly toward the end of the hall.

“I wasn’t done arguing that point.” Shade called after him.

“I know you weren’t.” Grim returned in amusement.