page46 (2/2)

“I couldn’t leave you here,” she said, opting for the simplest explanation

“So I see,” he noted wryly, then pulled a face, letting his displeasure seep out “Now isn’t the time to discuss it” He brushed down his clothes before inspecting the contents of the bag she’d brought He nodded at her choice of weapons, then packed theain

He cocked his head at the natives “You don’t speak their language, so how—”

“No, but I can draw in the dirt” She gave a little shrug

Mason frowned “They ran away from me”

“I got lucky,” she added, trying to play down her success

“Lucky, yes,” he said with brevity He had shadows etched under his eyes He needed proper sleep and food

“They know about Krul They don’t like hi and how they’d scrubbed it out

“Where is he?” Mason asked

“Somewhere near here”

“The river is close”

The water churned and the air did seeentle breeze

“Yes,” she agreed “You need to rest Sir,” she added She had to prove to him that she was still his to command

He scratched the deep stubble on his chin “The bounty hunters?”

“I don’t know” She hadn’t attempted to draw them in the dirt “If they’ve not been here, then perhaps they haven’t found Krul either”