Sineater

Grim were dangerous.

Especially if this one was a reaper. The elite Grim had a bone appendage on their arms that could rotate a piece of their exoskeleton out to have a pair of arm blades. Those Grim were taught specifically to be headhunters and were very efficient at it. It wouldn’t surprise me if the regent hadn’t contracted a reaper to hunt us down, but this mage had plenty of time to attack us and hadn’t done so yet. It led me to believe that I at least needed to try to talk to the dangerous being for a little while first.

“In these parts, it’s best to assume nothing is safe until you’ve checked it.” Normally I would have rested my hand on my sword, but I didn’t want to do anything to provoke the mage.

“Very true.” The light got a little brighter, but slowly, so that it didn’t hurt our eyes. The grim gave us a slightly exaggerated bow. “My name is Krav Morstum, emissary of the Mebope Queen Banrion Quanda.” He nodded to the north. “I’ve been sent as a representative for Princess Malus’ wedding.” His boney mouth broke into a creepy smile. “I fought beside her great-grandfather in the Great War and I’ve been to every one of the kingdom’s weddings.” A worried look crossed his face. “I thought I might be late, but there are still a few days before the wedding starts.” He looked between us. “But I’ve been rambling, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

“I’m…”

“Sectum Irongut and his new bride Lesa.” Starna cut me off. I noticed that she was keeping her side turned to the Grim, like she didn’t want to look at him. “I am their attendant Starna Lock.” She nodded to the west. “We’re going back to his home in Iron Forge.”

The Grim looked us over for a moment, looking very confused.

“Adopted.” I shrugged. “But now the mountain is my home.”

“You’re heading back on foot?” The quizzical look told me that he didn’t buy our story.

“My patron decided to celebrate a little too much during the wedding.” Starna turned so the Grim couldn’t see the smile on her face. “As punishment, his father is making him walk to Bollilundr to learn to restrain himself.” She nodded at Alessa. “My lady insisted on joining him, so I am here as her guard.”

“Madam Lesa, if it isn’t rude of me to say, but you don’t look well.” Krav motioned at the camp. “Would you like to warm yourself by the fire? I also have some boar meat that I could cook.” He looked between us. “As well as a few healing potions that I wouldn’t mind using before they expire, if they might help.”

I really didn’t want to stick around the emissary any more than we needed to. But the princess answered before I could say anything.

“That would be lovely, though we have nothing to repay your good will.” Just saying the words seemed to take a lot out of her.

“Your company is all that I need.” The Grim shrugged. “While I don’t mind the solitude, I’ve gotten used to having traveling companions. You would be doing me a favor by joining me.”

“Then we would be delighted to join you.” ‘Lesa’ gave a small bow.

“No need for such formalities, none of us here are royalty.” Krav turned and waved for us to follow him.

I fell back so that I could talk to Starna. “What are your thoughts about him?”

“We’ll be safe.” Starna began looking through her pack until she found a mask and put it on around her nose and mouth.

“What are you doing?” I was walking almost sideways so I could look at her and keep an eye on the princess.

“It’s a Mebope thing that unmarried women who are devoted to their patron do.” Her blue eyes bored into me. “I’m keeping up the charade, now go do your part.”

There was something else there, but I wasn’t going to get any answers out of her tonight. I hurried over to the princess and helped her into a chair by the fire while Krav got out a second tent.

Our host was definitely prepared.