Chapter 294: Scary Old Man
He remembered how he had to run stupid errands for his boss in the modern wolf, he couldn’t do anything because well... He was just someone ordinary with no power. This time, he had some power, and why would he not abuse it every once in a while?
So yes, this man was going to have to give him a lift even if he didn’t like that those wolves would be trailing them. Anyway, it was not like they were going to get inside the carriage and crowd it! They were wolves! And they would rather be on their feet.
Once arrangements were made, the old man gestured politely toward the open door. "Please," he said, "you first."
Riven climbed inside and settled onto the plush bench seat, the faint scent of herbs and clean linen soothing after the cold air. He could feel the older man’s gaze on him, and when he finally joined him inside, he closed the door with careful precision.
The carriage jolted forward again, beginning the last leg of the journey.
They sat in silence for a few moments, the rhythm of the wheels and the muffled hoofbeats filling the space. Riven studied the older man from the corner of his eye. He looked important, wouldn’t hurt to make an ally in the Snow Leopard clan.
Finally, the old man spoke. "I don’t believe we have met," he said, in that same smooth, measured tone. "I am Nicholas. One of Master Soren’s senior advisors."
Riven turned to face him fully. "Nicholas... Lord Nicholas," he corrected himself, he knew that the snow leopard clan was not big on nobility, wealth and power mattered, birth did not. So, though some had the namesake title, it did not matter.
He considered how to introduce himself. Did he even need to? Soren had made it pretty clear—obnoxiously clear—who he belonged to. He doubted there was a single Snow Leopard elder who didn’t know precisely who he was.
Still, it felt rude to say nothing at all.
"Riven," he said simply, inclining his head. "I suppose you already know."
Nicholas’s lips twitched in what might have been a smile or a grimace. "Indeed," he murmured. "Master Soren has spoken of you at length."