Fearless (Nameless #3)(66)
She deserves better.
Zo dug through the little satchel strung across her shoulder. She was never very far from the oils and herbs of her trade.
“Don’t,” said Gryphon. “Let him face the morning headache. Maybe then he’ll think twice before making a drinking bet with a stranger.”
Zo hesitated, then nodded and closed the satchel.
Gabe seemed like he might burst. “Have you told her?”
“Told me what?” Zo asked.
Before Gabe could say anything, Gryphon said, “Commander Laden is dispatching a group of soldiers to escort all who will not be fighting to the Valley of Wolves. He expects you, Tess, and Joshua to join them.” Gryphon had made sure of it.
Gabe’s eyes narrowed, the tension in his stance tangible.
“But the blood oath,” Zo protested.
“Laden does not need your help in this. There is a plan in place.”
“Laden needs me at the front. I’m his best healer,” Zo shot back.
“You’re not well,” Gryphon’s voice was soft yet still somehow commanding. “And Tess is too young to be near the battle. He is taking Millie with him.”
“One healer? And where will you go?” Zo felt her chin rise, daring him to admit his plans to leave her. He’d said as much before, but she wanted him to own it out loud.
“I’ll travel with Laden and the men in my command,” he cleared his throat, “and leave before the fighting starts.”
Color drained from her beautiful face, making her seem more like a child than a fearless spy. “You’re really leaving, then. Just like that.” Her back went rigid as she gathered herself. She clamped her lips together and fought the emotion threatening to spill over in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. Finally, she managed, “And Joshua?”
“Zo.”
“I fell in love with you as your slave inside Ram’s Gate. But you,” her neck and face flushed hot, “you claim you want me, but … ” She pushed the back of her hand to her mouth, biting back a faint sob, and bolted from the tent.
“Wait, Zo!” This couldn’t be the last time they spoke. He needed to make things right, somehow.
Gabe clamped his hand over Gryphon’s shoulder before he could follow Zo into the encroaching night.
“Let go,” said Gryphon.
“Not until you tell me why you refuse to tell her about Ajax.” Gabe looked past him to where Zo had been. “Why let her believe you don’t care for her? Why not explain you’re offering yourself as a sacrifice to Barnabas for your mess brothers?”
“Do you honestly think that would have hurt her less, knowing I’m walking into my own execution? You know how stubborn she can be. She would have marched all the way to Barnabas if she knew the truth.”
Gabe didn’t speak for several minutes, then finally nodded. “Fine.” Then, not a beat later he said, “But there’s something I have to know—call it payment for my silence with Zo.”
Gryphon stared at the Wolf. “What is it?”
“Why tell the Allies about your plan? Why not just go there alone? I know a part of you is still loyal to your clan.”
Gryphon looked away and spoke through his clenched teeth, “Because I can’t leave this world knowing I could have stopped a slaughter and didn’t.”
“So you alert both sides, and let fate decide if the Ram prevail or if the Wolves keep their home.” He tilted his head to the side, trying to grasp the logic.
Gryphon didn’t trust in fate. She was a fickle thing, and in no ways dependable.
“Now I need something from you, Gabe.” He scratched the back of his head. “A favor.”
“Anything within my power.”
Gryphon filled his chest with air and slowly released it, as if the words would come easier if they had wind behind them. “I know you will take care of Zo and Tess. I just … ” The full weight of Gryphon’s situation finally hit him. His voice broke with pain. “Can you help Zo look after Joshua for me? See that he grows into a decent man.” Gryphon didn’t trust himself to breathe. “He’s a good kid … he’ll probably cause you loads of trouble.” He managed a tortured smile that felt wrong.
Gabe frowned and nodded. “On my honor, I will take Joshua in as one of my family. I’ll fill your role as his mentor and friend. He will have my sword wherever he goes.”
They shook hands, and Gabe yanked him into a hug. “You’re a good man, Gryphon.”
“You’re just glad you get Zo to yourself.”
Gabe clapped him on the arm. “Maybe.” His usual wicked grin was too forced, making the words sad despite his efforts to lighten the mood. He didn’t want to win her like this.
“Please,” Gryphon said soberly, “tell her the truth after I’m gone.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Gryphon led his band of forty to the slot canyon and allowed himself to look back over the camp one final time. His forty marched at the head of the Allied army. Behind him, a trail of Wolf and Raven followed in single file. They’d take up proper ranks once they left the slot canyon to begin the seven-day journey. The plan was to arrive early so the men would have fresh legs when they faced the Ram.