Jacob stiffened, his face suddenly expressionless but his eyes filled with pain. He had endangered her; he was marked, and they both knew it. "It does not change the fact that I would prefer you to be perfectly safe at all times," He said gruffly. He was shifting position subtly, automatically, without thought, his body crowding Zande, shielding her. His eyes turned skyward.
Dedari.
He sent the call on the mental path he was becoming familiar with.
I am aware of it.
Dedari's answer was calm and unruffled, as if they had all the time in the world and would not be under attack at any moment.
Take Zande and get her to safety. He instructed.
I will return as soon as I know she is far from harm. Jacob replied.
You will stay with her and protect her should I fail. Rich and Prest will perform the same duty for Amia. Dedari said.
Jacob took Zande's arm. "Come on, cara, we must leave now."
