Death Singer (Paperback)

Nodding at the woods opposite the approaching footsteps of a dozen people, Max suggested, “Let’s run for it.”

Putting his arrow away, Norus shook his head. “We’ll never make it before they see us or easily find a hasty trail we’d leave. Might as well face them here and now. Listen, we only have a minute. You’re wearing the Evator hunter’s armor. Pretend you captured me and you’re one of them.”

“Won’t they realize I’m not because they don’t recognize me?”

Norus pulled out a rope and tied a loose knot before sticking his hands through and gesturing for Max to tighten it as if Max had tied it.

“Good point,” said the hunter, as Max tightened the bond. “Say you’re from Rook, a town far to the west in Andra Kingdom, like Evator. It’s on the shore of Lake Napier, on the northern side of River Karendi, the border. The river is a little north of where we stand now. You were sent from Rook to join Evator, saw me across the river, and tried to capture me to make a good first impression when you got to the castle, having a prisoner. You did it, but lost your horse. We’re headed back to find it and your gear, but now you can forget about it, having thereinforcements from them. This will explain our position, your ignorance of the area, and their ignorance of you. They may send someone after the horse for you, but they won’t find what doesn’t exist, of course.”

“They also won’t find hoofprints that don’t exist.” Max saw the warriors had almost reached the clearing.

“True. Discourage them from going after it. Most mounts in use by soldiers are trained to return home and you’re confident it will.”

Max nodded and added to the ruse. “I’ll say I caught up to you at the people we killed, but that it was you who did it all.

Only….” He hesitated, realizing a problem.

“What? It’s a good idea.”

“But won’t they kill you for having killed their people?”

Norus pursed his lips. “I’m your prisoner and you want me taken to Evator.”

Max held his gaze. That might work, and he was prepared to argue for it. “I’ll get you out of this.”

Norus met his eyes. “I’m sure you will.” 

New Quest: Free Norus Shadowmoon from the forces of Evator.

Objective: Captured by soldiers of Evator, Norus may never see the sun again unless brought out to be executed in the town square. Free him without getting caught, killed, or getting Norushurt.

Difficulty: High.

Rewards: 1 Rare Item. 1,500 XP, +1 Reputation in Karendi Kingdom (Gitarna), -5 Reputation in Andra Kingdom (Evator) if caught.

Accept?

Max accepted the quest. While he had saved Norus, who owed him a debt, the hunter had also taughthim so much that Max felt indebted to him. And now Norus was saving him from capture or death, if Max played this right. He felt determined to complete this quest.

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