I'd told Zen the situation, carefully edited, leaving out the most incriminating details but giving him enough to understand the severity.
Duke Glimor's hunters were close. They were looking for Scarlet and me. We needed to leave immediately, before they reached the village and started asking questions that would put everyone in danger.
"If someone comes here looking for us," I said, keeping my voice level, "you can tell them we left. Say we went to wherever you think will send them in the wrong direction."
Zen nodded thoughtfully, his fingers drumming against his knee.
Then he smirked.
"Making a Duke hunt you personally..." His grin widened. "You sure are something, grandson-in-law."
My lips twitched. A vein bulged at my temple.
You idiot old man. I'm here having a hard time and you're just joking around like this is entertainment.
I took a breath, forcing down the irritation.
Zen waved his hand dismissively.
