Together, the three of us threaded our way through most of camp, out toward a small, lesser gate that we\u2019d put together in the aftermath of the Hunt\u2019s arrival, north of the well and near another cluster of ruined dormitories where the Wild Hunt had begun their efforts to build their homes. Anselm had been among the Hunt to linger here with us, minding most of his fellows and liaising with us as needed\u2014which was rarely enough, since the Hunt tended to keep to themselves with Seamus away.<\/p>\n
Anselm was already on his way toward<\/em> the gate as we emerged from it. He lifted his hand in greeting, expression grim.<\/p>\n \u201cI assume you\u2019re here regarding some manner of new threat?\u201d he said, his tone mild\u2014too mild. I grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d I said slowly. \u201cI probably shouldn\u2019t ask how you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour brother has been down here already,\u201d Anselm admitted as we drew within arms\u2019 reach of each other. \u201cHe was seeing to an increase in the patrols. Leviathan, then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeviathan,\u201d Phelan confirmed before I could. \u201cHe claims if we leave him alone, he\u2019ll leave us alone, but I\u2019m not sure that I believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n Neve\u2019s nose wrinkled. \u201cIt\u2019s never been the case before, why should it be the case now?\u201d<\/p>\n Her cousin grimaced and glanced at me. I rubbed at my temple. \u201cWhat else did Matt tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t seem like there was all that much to tell,\u201d Anselm admitted. \u201cRegardless of anything else, we\u2019ll increase our patrols while you and yours see to the settlement\u2019s more stationary defenses and the watches.\u201d He looked vaguely thoughtful for a long moment before he said, \u201cPerhaps I\u2019ll see if there are any volunteers who want to ride out to the lakeshore and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d I blurted.<\/p>\n Anselm blinked at me. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n A sick feeling rose in the pit of my stomach. \u201cI\u2014I don\u2019t know,\u201d I whispered. \u201cI really don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Together, the three of us threaded our way through most of camp, out toward a small, lesser gate that we\u2019d put together in the aftermath of the Hunt\u2019s arrival, north of the well and near another cluster of ruined dormitories … Continue reading