I hated the idea of leaving Eveline alone defenseless, but I had a feeling about Jaspen and his so-called friends. It sounded just like the resistance to mount an attack against the Keltcher. If it was them, were they really in the wrong? I sighed tiredly. Jaspen glanced back at me from his horse.
"You better wake up, Alistor. I promised your girl I'd bring you back unharmed."
I smiled weakly, shaking my head.
"That includes you too, Jaspen."
He didn't say a word. Sebastian and Sasha were walking behind me not saying anything. Sasha was probably worried. Sebastian too. To be honest I was as well, but I was more worried about Eve. She couldn't defend herself right now if she wanted to with her injuries.
"I can tell your thoughts are drifting, Alistor. If you are that worried about her, go home, but I swear to you, we are going to drive their attention to us. They aren't going anywhere else. Okay?"
How was he so sure?
"Who are these friends anyhow, Jaspen?"
I saw him tense for a brief moment.
"Friends," he said curtly as if trying to cut off the subject.
I sighed knowing he wouldn't give any other information away. What was he hiding? Were Sebastian and Eve wrong to doubt him? How had he seemed to read my thoughts earlier? I had never heard of a half demon with that ability before, but I decided I shouldn't let my thoughts drift much. We needed to keep our cover.
We soon arrived in the black market area where there were at least fifteen others. Jaspen dismounted and walked over to another man standing giving orders.
"Who are they?" asked Quinn hooking his thumb at us.
"They are some more of my friends. I thought we could use them."
His eyes rested on me for a moment. I felt uneasy under his intense stare.
"A human?"
Jaspen looked at me curiouly.
"I just realized he was a mere mortal, Quinn."
Why did that name seem familiar? Sasha stepped forward her ears slightly perked forward.
"You look familiar, she wolf," he said with a grin. "My have you gown. I'm sorry about your brother."
Sasha glared at him, as Sebastian pulled her against his chest glaring Quinn down.
"A Halfling dragon. Good choices, Jaspen. Other than the mortal. Why don't you scamper home?"
I glared him down "Why?"
He laughed. "You don't heal as fast as us, mortal."
"I'm good with a weapon," I argued.
"Maybe he's right, Alistor," said Jaspen gently.
I looked at him, confused. He had invited me, right?
"I'm fighting," I growled. "Those men killed one of my friends. I am down here because I sided for your rights. I want them dead or brought to justice."
Quinn laughed. It was almost a bark.
"Justice?" he said, amused. "There is no justice here, but very well. Stay and fight." Jaspen sighed, heaving his shoulders.
"You invited him, Jaspen. Don't get upset that I allowed him to stay against my better judgment. Everyone round up. Time for groups and strategy."