"The East grows restless. Clans fracture. The Divide shifts with every year that passes. The Wilds won't remain so quiet for long. The Dhrokari need a blade that can cut through what comes."
"...And I see you becoming that blade."
I held the man's gaze for a moment. "I am not your blade, Chieftain. And I never will be."
His brow arched at that. "Did you not venture here to join us?"
"I did not. No. I am here because I was told these lands were harsh. I was told… that it was torment… out here. I seek strength."
"Strength… a more modest goal than I expected. I can give you that. But…"
The man leaned forward, elbows on the table, fingers steepled, the dim light of the lamps glinting off his many rings. His silver eyes narrowed, the corners of his lips raising into a faint, controlled smile. "But you must do something for me in return."
