Page 19 of A Thief to Die For

Atlas smirks. His finger returns to the trigger. ‘That was brave, not answering after I told you to. Or maybe you’re just stupid. You think you’re in control here, but you’re not.’

‘Commander,’ Ryland says, his voice a little less calm. ‘This isn’t about control. We’d like to make a generous and lucrative offer to trade for your coal. And not just once. This would be an ongoing partnership lasting for years. It’s to everyone’s benefit to be truthful.’

Atlas stares, probably baffled by the word ‘truthful’.

Me – I’m not fooled. Anyone who has to declare himself truthful most certainly isn’t.

‘But before we go any further,’ Ryland says, ‘I am curious about something.’

Atlas tilts his head, intrigued.

Ryland lifts a finger and points directly at me.

A pickaxe of panic strikes my chest.

‘Who is this woman?’

My body turns to stone.

‘Who? Marian?’ the Commander scoffs. ‘That’s my daughter.’

I defiantly meet Ryland’s narrowed eyes.

‘Your daughter,’ he repeats, forehead creasing.

Questions are written all over his face. Why would you raid your own father? Why do you need to steal at all? His judgement of me is merciless and exposing me in the name of being honest would earn him a favour. Suddenly, I’m his ticket to getting a deal on coal.

A sheen of sweat breaks out on my skin.

‘You’re impressed with her?’ Atlas asks, pleased. ‘Most men are. She’s also surprisingly good with a sword, for a woman.’

‘Just a sword?’ Ryland asks, raising a brow at me.

My cheek pulses.

‘Commander, if I may,’ I blurt. ‘I find it convenient these travellers showed up just as our trailer was raided. And isn’t it interesting that between the three of them, they couldn’t stop it from being driven away?’

Ryland’s eyes go wide.

I’m not done. ‘Was the raider one of them? I heard he wore a hood, disguising himself. How do we know these men didn’t stage the raid to make themselves the heroes? All while making off with our trailer. Then after earning a favour, they ask to spend the night, gaining access to the layout of Notting territory. They’re not our trusted trading partners; we can’t afford to believe anything they say. In my opinion: it’s too much of a risk. They should leave. Immediately.’ Not all of that’s bluster and lies. I don’t trust them.

I can’t.

Atlas huffs. ‘My dear Marian, I do love your protectiveness. But have you not seen their well-bred horses and unique armour? Their well-made weapons? We have much to discuss.’

‘They could have stolen them.’

Atlas turns to Ryland. ‘Well, then I want to know from where.’ He smirks. ‘They have excellent taste.’ He raises his modified crossbow. ‘As you can see, I’m somewhat of a collector of weapons myself. Tell me, what exactly has your settlement scavenged from the old world?’

Ryland again hesitates, but this time his silence is the answer.

A lot.

Horror slices through me as Atlas’s face practically glazes over with greed. It’s been six years since he’s pillaged a village before burning it down. The only settlements left in the area – Grimwater and Ashbreak – exist because they lack the advances that he wants.

But for old-world treasures, he just might be tempted to raid again.

Atlas strokes his beard. ‘Yes, I think there’s potential here, but I won’t rush my decision. I’m very busy, so we’ll reconvene tomorrow. You and only this companion here can stay – as long as you behave and continue to follow my rules.’