The Daylight War (The Demon Cycle, #3)

by Peter V. Brett

Arlen leaned forward, his face utterly serene, but his eyes intense. “You telling me Leesha’s gone to marry Ahmann Jardir? That lyin’, rapin’, murderin’ son of the Core? That what you’re fixing to tell me, Darsy Cutter?” His low voice grew louder as he spoke. Not loud, but louder. Again, Renna saw the ambient magic in the area rush to him, his wards beginning to glow. Darsy drew back from him as one might from a hissing rattlesnake. “She ent said yes!” Darsy practically shouted. “And she ent playing the fool. Said it was an excuse to see what he’s done to the south. To count his troops and learn his ways. Didn’t go alone, either. Took Rojer, Gared, Wonda, and her parents to watch over her.” “Don’t matter,” Arlen said. “The fact she went at all, and took her da, tells the Krasians Erny’s put her to market and is just waiting for the right price.” Darsy scowled. “How dare you! Mistress Leesha ent some cow to buy and sell!” “To them she is!” Arlen snapped. “Krasians don’t treat women as free folk. Don’t matter if they’re a duchess or a milkmaid, women are just property to those people, bought and sold. And no one outbids Ahmann Corespawned Jardir when he sets his mind on a prize, Darsy Cutter. No. One.”