Chapter 9: Confrontation
Tavin couldn’t help but stare at Baelon’s outstretched hand. He couldn’t sense any dishonesty in his words; Baelon really was offering him this. A chance to become powerful, a chance to do something that really made a difference. But would it also mean fighting against the Empire? Fighting against Chalea and Valina?
“Hold it!”
It was Chalea’s voice. She stormed up the street toward them. Baelon took a step backward and squared himself up against her approach. The old man that had hired Tavin this morning was following behind, clearly caught by surprise.
“Move away from the boy, Baelon,” she demanded.
“Oh, so it was you they sent...” Baelon said quietly to himself.
Chalea came to a stop thirty paces or so from Baelon. Tavin’s eyes darted between the two as they stared each other down.