Fearless (Nameless #3)(8)

“I’m surprised Gryphon didn’t tell me.”

Raca laughed. “I suppose he had more pleasant things to consider with you at his side.”

Zo blushed. “If you call our fight with his old mess unit ‘pleasant’ then I suppose you’re right.”

“Well, I can help you if you wish.” Raca gestured toward the water, casting a sideways glance at the tent flaps.

“I think I can manage,” said Zo. “But thank you.”

Raca nodded. “Then I’ll leave you to it.” She ducked out of the tent in something of a nervous rush and left Zo, for a second time, to stare at the flaps in mild confusion.





After a long soak, Zo scrubbed the filth from her body and hair. The lavender soothed away a building headache, but Zo still couldn’t bring herself to fully relax. How could she, knowing Gryphon and Joshua were in Laden’s custody and Tess wasn’t speaking to her? She leaned back, rested her head on the back of the wooden tub, and raised her hands above the water to examine the raised cuts marring her skin.

The words she’d spoken before Ikatou’s giant bear claw ripped through her skin resonated within the currents of her mind. “I willingly tie my life and blood to the task of freeing the Nameless … I swear to do all that was promised in my own blood … ”

The Kodiak were famous for their oaths and promises. They would die before breaking their word, and expected no less from others. What was worse, she didn’t even understand exactly what her promise entailed. In her mind, it meant taking them to Commander Laden, and making sure the Allies agreed to help. But freeing the Nameless was more complicated then rushing the Gate with a few thousand men. No force had ever breeched the walls of Ram’s Gate, and the few that had met the Ram in battle paid sorely for their bravery.

Laden had been preparing his army for years, and the chances of him being willing to act right now—just because Zo had a few cuts on her hands—weren’t high. As much as she knew Laden cared for her and honored the memory of her parents, his first objective was to look after his cause. He wouldn’t put one life before so many. Not even hers.

“Gracious, child. Were you planning to spend the night in that water?” cried Millie as she hurried into the tent. The light outside had dimmed with the setting sun and Zo realized she was shivering in the tepid water.

“The officers will be waiting on you!” She held up a blanket for Zo to use to towel off and helped her into a traditional Wolf dress, complete with a colorfully embroidered skirt and white blouse. Zo pulled tight the laces of a soft leather jerkin while Millie battled her long hair into a complicated web of braids befitting a girl of her age and standing.

“Where’s Tess?” Zo asked.

“The child took her meal with the little Ram demon. The one with hair as red as hell itself.”

“They released him? Did they release Gryphon as well?” Zo glanced longingly at the flaps of the tent. She still hadn’t recovered from the weeks spent thinking he’d been killed. Every moment away from him now made her anxious. Somehow, with Gryphon alive and in her life, even the thought of her blood oath was less frightening.

“The Ram soldier is still under guard, but he’s out of his bindings.” Millie tugged on a strand of Zo’s hair to secure another braid. “For now,” she added under her breath. “As for that boy, Tess follows him around like a pup. I’d chastise her for it but the boy has been kind to her, and I prefer her laughter to the sulking she’s been doing for the past week.”

Millie tied off a final braid and said, “Now, let me look at you.” The old woman tucked a few stray black and silver strands of hair behind her ear and stepped back to appraise Zo.

And then frowned.

“What?” Zo’s shoulders slumped.

“You’ve lost so much weight. I need to take in your clothing.”

The laces of her jerkin were tightened as much as the bodice would allow, but Zo barely felt the pull of the leather around her torso. She pressed her fingertips into her face, wondering if her cheekbones stuck out as much as her ribs. “Next time I’m a Ram slave, I’ll be sure to ask for seconds.” She tried to offer a smile, but the effort pained her.

“Never mind, child. You’re still every bit as beautiful as your mother. The men will have a hard time concentrating on anything Commander Laden has to say with you in the room.” Then more quietly, she added, “There’s been a hum around the camp with your arrival among the men. Some are young and strong lads who would do a fine job of taking care of you and Tess.”

“Not interested,” Zo said, and she grabbed her cloak from the floor and pulled it around her shoulders. She thanked Millie and walked out into the cool spring night.

“Zo!” Millie called after her.

Zo turned and hugged the sides of her cloak closer to her body.

“I know you care for this Ram … but I wish you wouldn’t.” She sighed. “Please be careful, child. He’s not to be trusted.”

Zo’s jaw locked, but she managed a terse nod just the same. “Thank you for your concern, Millie. It’s nice to be home.”

Millie snorted. “This isn’t home, child. This is a military camp.”

Zo shrugged. “It’s the only home I have, Millie.”