This Battle Lord's Quest by Linda Mooney Page B

“Yeah, it is, especially
when we’re heading into unknown territory. Your skill as a warrior and hunter
are unequaled, but leave the calculations to someone who isn’t so narrowly
focused.”
    Again, she was met with another comment about being
single-minded. “Is that why Yulen makes a good Battle Lord? Because he can
envision all that stuff, and give clear and precise orders, even as he’s
fighting?”
    “Yulen’s a superior Battle Lord, and that’s only
one of the reasons why,” Paxton stated. “But his weakness is exactly where your
strengths lie. That’s why the two of you compliment each other perfectly.
You’re like two strong halves. And when the both of you are working toward a
common goal, you’re such a powerful force, no one can defeat you.” The man
patted her hand lying between them. “Now get some rest,” he ordered in a
brotherly tone, then rolled over. Likewise, behind her, Renken settled down.
    You’re like two strong halves. And when the both of
you are working toward a common goal, you’re such a powerful force, no one can
defeat you.
    It made a lot of sense, the way he said it. When
Rafe D’Jacques had tried to overtake Alta Novis, Yulen had been absent, and she
had been unable to prevent the half-brother from claiming the compound as his.
Yet, once Yulen returned, everything seemed to fall into place, until it was no
longer a matter of if they could take back their home, but when.
    She stared up at the trees where the stars played
peek-a-boo between the leaves. The night was cool, giving her the impression
that the winter would be brutal. She didn’t know how she was able to predict
it, but if she asked the other Mutah hunters, she was certain they would all
agree with her.
    Maybe they would find bigger game tomorrow. At
least, she hoped they would. If not, she dreaded what the next few months would
bring.
     

Chapter
Seven
    Prickle
     
     
    Someone tapped the bottom of her foot. Atty was
awake instantly, her Ballock in one hand as she reached for her bow. Above her,
Gerenth signaled for silence. She paused to listen.
    Faint, but not too far away, there was a rustling
noise. She glanced overhead, but the leaves were still. There was no wind to
cause the brush to move. She gave the Mutah a questioning eyebrow, but was answered
with a shrug. He had no idea what was causing the sound.
    Using the tip of her bow, she tapped the soles of
the men lying beside her. Long ago, she’d learned not to wake a seasoned hunter
or soldier by poking, grabbing an arm, or by any other method normally employed
by most people. Otherwise, she could end up with a knife in her belly, or
worse. A warrior struck first to defend himself. Even when he was where he
considered was a safe place, like his home or among family, the survival
instinct remained paramount. One never knew when someone or something with evil
intent could creep into the abode and dispatch everyone. However, for a reason
no one could understand, gently striking the bottom of a foot didn’t alert the
defensive instincts.
    Both soldiers pulled their weapons and moved into a
crouching position as the other men closed ranks. Fortune glanced up at the
trees, then motioned for Atty and Meesel to climb the two tallest. She nodded
and kept low as she advanced toward it. Throwing her bow over her shoulder, she
made it up to the first overhanging branch and paused to survey the area. The
campfire had reduced itself to glowing coals, leaving the men to appear as dark
shadows below.
    Narrowing her eyes, she strained to see if she
could spot any movement below. A vague thought went through her mind as she
wondered if Mattox was capable of night vision. Not noticing anything, she
reached up to move to the next branch, when Meesel shouted a warning.
    “ Pines! ”
    The Mutah hunter let fly an arrow, and a squeal of
pain rent the air. The ground instantly erupted into a mass of barb-tipped
jeopardy.
    “Find a shield!” Fortune shouted. Several of