Arc 3: Chapter 18: Sooth
“I’m not arguing with you about this,” I said to Emma, having already been arguing for nearly ten minutes. “You’re staying here until I get back.”
“I deserve to at least know why,” Emma had her feet planted and her fists balled. “I didn’t swear myself to your lead so I could be kept safe whenever we face true danger.”
Her lips twisted, and her voice turned bitter. “I am not a child. I am not a damsel. I am training to be a warrior. Why are you leaving me behind?”
I caught Lias’s shadowy gaze from across the room. I felt his impatience, but ignored him to focus on my ward. The night had passed, and both of us had managed to catch a few hours of rest. I’d rested little, in truth, and had taken the time to consider my next course of action.
I’d also made the mistake of telling Emma about that course, and giving her the chance to butt heads with me.
“I haven’t trained you for this,” I told her. “You’re not ready.”
The young woman’s amber eyes flashed with fury, but I continued before she could speak. “Hunting demons is a dark business, Emma. They can get in your thoughts, in your skin.”
“Nath taught me more tricks than you might think,” Emma said. “I am not helpless, even against magic.”
I paused at that. Nath was ancient, and she had battled the profane before humanity had erected so much as a single hut within these shores. It was possible Emma could be of some help, with Briar sorcery and her Blood Art at hand.
I steeled my resolve and shook my head. “Not this time, kid. I’m sorry, but this monster is no joke. Stay with Lias. He might have some tasks for you, and I’m still waiting for word from Catrin besides. She might get a message to me through you.”
A lame excuse, but I’d made up my mind. Emma glowered at me a long moment, then her expression became remote. “As you command,” she said, and turned on her heel to march away at a stiff gait.