"No." Arland's voice was quiet and vicious. "They wouldn't."
"You know who it is," Caldenia said, her voice confidential, persuasive. "You've avoided the answer because it's painful to contemplate. The person is a relative, a friend. But you've seen the signs, the small things, the whispers of discontent, the wrong expression on someone's face. Let it come to you. You can't prove it, but this isn't about proving it, it's about knowing it."
Arland stared at her. His eyes glowed with pure, intense red, like the eyes of a nightmarish jungle cat staring from the gloom at the intruder into his territory. The hairs on the back of my neck rose.
"The dahaka is expecting to be paid," Arland said. "The traitor won't have his crest, but he can send a code that would make the crest respond. So can I. That's how we find our dead."
Caldenia nodded. "There is hope for you yet, my boy."
"What if I am wrong?"
She shrugged. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But do be right."
"It's still only the two of us against him and his stalkers," Sean said.
"Three," I told him.
The vampire and werewolf stared at me with an identical expression on their faces.
"No," Sean said.
"Absolutely not," Arland agreed. "You are at your weakest away from the inn."
"Then don't let him lure you too far from the inn," I said. "You will need me."
"Dina, it will take the two of us to keep him occupied," Sean said quietly. "The stalkers will be swarming us. Arland's wearing armor and I have enhanced regeneration. You have neither. They will key on you and there is not a lot I can do about it."
"I might have something that will help with stalkers," I said. "Depending on how much money I can pool together."
"House Krahr is not without means," Arland said.
"I'll let you know if I exhaust my own."
Arland nodded. "If we are to lure the dahaka, we'll need someplace secluded, away from witnesses and with room to move, but not too far from the inn."
"There's a field behind her orchard." Sean said. "It's secluded and hidden by the trees from all sides."
"Yes, it used to be a horse pasture a long time ago. The fence is gone, but I keep the grass mowed," I said. "How do you know about it?"
"I've mapped your entire property," Sean said. "It's in my territory."
Of course.
Arland rose. "I would like to examine this pasture."
"I'll come with you," Sean said.
Good idea. There was no telling where Arland would end up if left to his own devices.
The vampire headed to the door. Sean stopped by my chair. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"I appreciate your concern."
He frowned. "We need to talk about this. In private."
"I'm going shopping in half an hour or so. You're welcome to join me."
He nodded and went after Arland.
I drank the last of my now-cold tea.
"Going shopping?" Caldenia asked.
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Would you like a few names?"
"No, thank you." I got up. I'd need to put on something more than just a robe for the trip. If I was lucky, this trip would only wipe out my savings and leave my legs and arms intact.
"Dina?"
I turned.
The older woman smiled. "Why are you helping them?"
"Because the safety of the inn and its guests is now in jeopardy."
"And the fact that both of them are heartbreakers has nothing to do with it?"
"They are very nice to look at. But the dahaka threatened me in my own house. That I will not tolerate." The vicious edge in my voice was kind of surprising.
Caldenia laughed quietly.
I went to get dressed. I'd need good boots for this.
Chapter Fourteen
I was dressed and ready to go when Sean walked through the door of the inn. He saw me and his eyebrows crept up. I wore a dark purple T-shirt, jeans, and heavy boots. I also wore a belt with a large knife on it.
I picked up my robe and slipped it on over my outfit. It would be hot, but there was no help for it. "Where is Arland?"
"Rapunzel decided to walk around in the woods to get 'the feel of the battleground.' He won't leave the grounds and he promises to defend the inn with 'all the strength in his body.' I told him if he gets in trouble, he should try singing prettily so his woodland friends will come to the rescue. I don't think he got it."
"Are you ready to go?" I asked.
"Sure."
I picked up a large gray cloak off the chair and held it out for him. He came over.
"Why?"
"Because when people don't know exactly what weapons you're carrying or where your money is, they're less likely to assault you."
"Should I expect to be assaulted?"
"It's not out of the realm of possibility."