Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 4)

Tadaaki looked at Ky expectantly. She swallowed a sigh.

“No doubt!” she said with a grin, forcing herself to look more relaxed. Even though she wasn’t. “Seems fate destined our paths to keep crossing.”

"Seems so!" He straightened on the horse. "The question is, how far down the road until we part at a crossroads? There are several down this way, as I recall."

“Guess we’ll have to see!” she laughed. There was no chance in hell she was telling them where they were going. “Bets on how many intersections we’ll pass before one of us splits off?”

"Oh, I'm not a gambling man," he chuckled. "But if I were, I would guess you'll be the first to split. But I couldn't possibly know for sure."

“You could be right.” Ky maintained her grin. He wasn't right. It was a straight shot to the Keep, so he’d be turning off first. But she was damn sure not going to share that information. They were far, far too far from the Keep for her to admit that’s where they were going and risk him being too curious. “Are you up this way for business or pleasure?”

"A little of both," he replied. "And you said you were meeting a friend, right? Not too serious a visit I hope."

“Not at all!” Ky said with a smile. “I actually live up this way. Technically he’s visiting me.”

Ky gestured at Tadaaki, who gave an awkward nod, not thrilled to be being dragged back into this. He needed to be focused on keeping them safe, not small talk. That was her job.

“Figured we’d go see the village while he’s here,” she continued. “Did you see anything interesting while you were there?”

"Well, I got to stay at that lovely little inn again," he mused. "The innkeeper and her husband are charming people! And I perused the marketplace and bought my children some gifts." He patted his travel pack. "I'm Harry, by the way--where are my manners?"

(Oh shit xD)

“Nice to meet you!” Ky said. She hesitated. It seemed both awkward and unsafe to approach him for a handshake. “I’m Ky and this is Tadaaki.”

"Ky?" His eyebrows shot up. "Your name is Ky?" Oh, gods. "Short for Kylia?"

(Oh god is she gonna think he's an assassin)

(Hahahah omg)

Ky’s stomach lurched. Why did he know her name? Was he—? Gods. She was so stupid. Why would she share her real name? She knew he was here for her. And now this confirmed it. She was dead.

She looked over her shoulder. They were too far from the village for anyone to hear her cries; too far from the Keep to outrun him. But goddamn if he was an assassin then god help them both he’d make it through the both of them without breaking a sweat.

Tadaaki also tensed. Recognition was always bad.

“No?” Ky said unconvincingly, maneuvering her horse further away from him, heart racing. “And she hasn’t done anything wrong, either. If you’re here because of Aleth then you are misinformed he is fine and she didn’t do anything wrong and you do not need to go after her.”

He watched her, still deeply surprised. "Right, then. Well, I don't know about this Aleth fellow...such a name has been passed to me before but I've never met the man. But I'm currently on my way to a familial rites ceremony for this Ky, so she's got nothing to fear from me." He studied her. "Do tell her that, would you?"

She swallowed hard, staring at him with wide eyes. Why wasn’t he lunging for her? Why be so casual? Maybe it was a game of cat and mouse; maybe he got off on toying with his victims before he killed them.

“You’re one of Lord Loquitur’s friends?” Ky asked hesitantly. She realized she was trembling and did her best to still herself, but all traces of a smile were gone from her now.

He hadn’t told her that he was inviting anyone else. Harry? That wasn’t Cecily’s husband, was it? She didn’t think so. Maybe an extended Ash she didn’t know?

Or maybe he was an assassin and her whole day had gone to shit and she should have just stayed in the Keep where she belonged.

He nodded. "You could say that, yes. I've known him for quite a few years now--him and his brother, Lord Ash. They're good men, very smart. Ky's lucky to have a man like Lord Loquitur taking her in!"

Ky glanced at Tadaaki. He was equally as perplexed as she was. The man seemed far too casual to be a threat.

But, then, Pratik could seem like the most easygoing man she’d ever met — and then turn right around and slaughter an entire family of men without a second thought.

Still.

He probably knew it was her. She hadn’t done a good job of keeping a poker face.

“… so you’re not here for me?” she asked at last, still eyeing him suspiciously. “I think I deserve to know the truth before you do it; not take it in the back.”

Was she really talking back to an assassin?

Well, what’s the worse that could happen? He was going to kill her regardless.