“I’ve heard enough and have made my decision.”
“If the wolves don’t get her she will freeze to death before morning.”
She started to cry. “Master, I beg you. I beg you all. For Zalmoxis’ sake, please don’t leave me behind. Please. Please.”
Dardanos nodded for Cotiso to follow him for a private talk and addressed the guard who was holding the girl’s wrist. “Oroles keep your eyes on her. If she tries anything, kill the bitch.”
He walked further away.
Cotiso was stunned. He followed Dardanos but not before signaling the guard, Oroles, with a motion of his hand not to do anything rash.
“What is wrong with you?” Cotiso started.
“Don’t you ever question me in front of my men like that again, you hear me?” Dardanos was furious, but still kept his voice down.
“I was just─”
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes, yes, just calm down… Dardanos, what’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” He stepped closer. “Look at her. How often does someone find a girl all by herself in the middle of nowhere, just lying on the side of the road waiting to get picked up like that? Never, that’s how often it happens. Never.”
“We’re in the middle of the forest! It’s getting dark! Of course she was hoping to get picked up, she’s scared. Panicked.”