Fearless (Nameless #3)(53)
Laden solemnly shook his head.
Gryphon stared at the dark gap between Chief Naat and Laden, not wishing to meet anyone’s eye. “I’m meeting them where the river divides into two just north of the Valley of Wolves. I’ve promised the brothers of my mess I’d trade Barnabas my head if he will reinstate them back into the clan with a full pardon for failing him.” His voice caught as he thought of Ajax and his little family. His old friend was the only reason Zo was still alive.
“What?” Gabe pushed away from the table, standing over Gryphon with fists balled as though he’d like nothing more than to tear him apart. “Does Zo know?”
“None of that now, Gabe.”
“But, sir!”
“Later. We’ll find a way around this, but right now we need to discuss our immediate actions.”
Ikatou wiped fat tears from his eyes. Gryphon knew they weren’t for him. He wept with joy at the chance to finally save his family. Instead of being offended that his impending death could bring joy to the Bear, Gryphon surprised himself by feeling happy for the man.
Murtog sat in stark contrast, shaking his head. “Lies,” he muttered. He turned to Laden and spat. “How can you trust this Ram traitor? I will not commit my men to a mission that is clearly a trap.”
Laden steepled his fingers, his elbows resting on the wooden table. “It is understandable that you would question Gryphon’s story. He is a Ram and a stranger to you. I sent a scouting party to monitor the Gate two weeks ago. I agree that we should wait until official word comes, confirming Gryphon’s story.” He leaned forward and pressed a firm finger into the table and added, “But know this … ” His gaze traveled to Gryphon. “He is an honorable man. I would trust him with my life.”
Murtog turned to Gryphon. “Your mess brothers. Did they know you were headed for the Allies?”
Gryphon held his gaze. “My best friend is the only man I’ve spoken to. He knew of my plans to bring Joshua and Zo to the Allies. I honestly don’t know how much information he would relay to Barnabas.”
“We have to assume Barnabas will expect an attack,” nodded Chief Naat.
“But he wants Gryphon’s head, as a matter of honor,” said Laden. “And, he’ll want as many of his troops to witness the execution as possible. It is the Ram way.”
Gryphon’s gaze snapped to Laden. He was sure Zo didn’t know about Laden’s heritage and was willing to bet few in this room, if any, did. What would these clan leaders think if they discovered Gryphon wasn’t the only Ram in this tent?
“Listen,” said Gryphon. “I’ve told you what I know. I am going to meet Barnabas where the river splits in exactly two weeks’ time. I’ve brought you this information not because I don’t care for my clan—a part of me will always be a Ram, whether they claim me or not. But I can’t stand by and watch the Valley of Wolves, with its women and children, be attacked. Not when I can do something about it.” He pushed back from the table and stood. “If you choose not to act, let it be on your heads. Not mine.”
He only made it three steps away from the table before Laden’s voice froze him in place. “You are not excused, Ram.”
Gryphon turned his head. He knew Laden’s hostility was mostly just for show, but it didn’t make him appreciate it any more.
“Sit,” the older Ram ordered.
Gryphon hesitated only a moment before turning and taking his seat at the foot of the table. His nostrils flared at being spoken to as though he were a child prematurely leaving the dinner table.
“I have a plan,” said Laden. “But without your help, we cannot succeed. What I’m about to ask of you is no small thing, Gryphon.”
Tired.
It was the only feeling Gryphon could register. Whatever Laden’s plan, Gryphon didn’t want any part of it. For once, couldn’t he just fulfill his simple purpose and let fate decide the rest? He wanted to walk away, but, ironically, the Ram blood inside him defied any such weakness. For Zo, he thought. I will do this for her. And if somehow, by some unforeseeable miracle, the fates preserved him and allowed them a chance at forever, it would all be worth it.
He met Laden’s eye, and though it nearly killed him, said, “I am your man, Commander. What would you have me do?”
Stone hefted a rock the size of Zo’s two fists and spun in a circle, releasing the stone at the perfect moment. It flew through the air as though buoyed up by the cheers of the Nameless as it sailed over the other contenders’ rocks and landed four feet in the lead.
Eva put two fingers to her lips and whistled her praise. In the few short weeks she’d been with the Allies, her pregnant belly had finally grown to the point where her condition was obvious. Even though the Ram were no longer her clan, it must have been odd for her to sit among strangers set upon hating her heritage.
After the wedding ceremony tonight, she and Stone could make a new life. New traditions to pass down to their growing family and the people once known as the Nameless.
The Freeman, she had to remind herself again.
It was a small band of men and women. But if the Allies ever managed to free the rest of the Nameless inside the Gate, the Freeman numbers would swell. They’d need to find a place to settle and put down roots. There were laws to establish, farms to plant, and trade to build, but at least they had each other—something that had never been a possibility while inside the Gate.