Page 61 of Kingdom of Chains

Thorn glanced sideways at her. ‘We have no way of knowing. We’d have to get past the marcher lords first.’

There was no denying that King Edward II had done some irreparable damage during the final years of his reign.

‘Maybe it’s time to claim your independence, then,’ Tatum said.

Ita laughed. ‘And should we build a wall around the wastelands? Raise a pagan flag?’

Tatum waved a finger at her. ‘Oh, I see what you did there.’

A large bird swooped between them, prompting everyone to reach for their weapons.

‘It’s Margery,’ Ita said, extending one arm.

The eagle landed, yelping in a way that Blackmane had never heard before.

‘What’s the matter with her?’ he asked.

‘She’s upset,’ Ita said, stroking Margery’s back soothingly.

Blackmane narrowed his eyes. ‘About what?’

Ita gave him a tired look. ‘I may be able to gauge her moods, defender, but I don’t speak fluent eagle.’

An uneasy feeling flourished in Blackmane’s gut. ‘Do you think it has to do with Isabel?’

‘Possibly, but it might be as simple as not being able to find her.’ She met his gaze. ‘I’m not sure whether you’ve noticed, but they’re rather attached.’

Blackmane shook his head as good sense and impulsiveness warred inside him. ‘Perhaps I should go to the camp, check on things.’

Tatum whipped his head in Blackmane’s direction. ‘Absolutely not. If Hodge sees you—’

‘He won’t.’

Ita stepped forwards. ‘I could go with you.’

Thorn glared at her. ‘I think we’ve lost enough people in the past twenty-four hours. Don’t you?’

Ita swallowed guiltily.

‘Why don’t the two of you come with us?’ Thorn suggested. ‘We’ll continue the conversation somewhere more secure, and you’ll have a safe place to spend the night.’

Blackmane nodded. ‘I think that’s a good idea.’ He looked at Tatum. ‘You go with them. I’ll be back before you know it.’

The commander looked far from impressed by that suggestion. ‘Might I have a word with you—in private?’

He led Blackmane away from the group, checking the others weren’t listening before beginning. ‘I never thought I would utter these words to you, but you need to be logical about this.’

There was no logic when it came to her. ‘I just want to check that she’s all right before we head home.’

‘And if she’s not?’

‘Then I’ll make a sensible call based on the circumstances.’

Tatum laughed. ‘Normally I would accept that, because you’re unaffected by most things—unless the warden orders you to be affected. That’s the way it’s been for the five years I’ve known you. But now? Now suddenly you’re having human reactions and forcing me to evaluate the freedoms I give you.’

Blackmane was not ready to back down. ‘I can be back within twenty-four hours. I’ll stay out of the camp and out of sight. You have my word.’

Tatum released a noisy breath and shook his head. ‘Fine. You have twenty-four hours.’