Pathfinder's Way (The Broken Lands, #1)

by T.A. White

“So does this test consist of torturing your target until they try to kill you?” Shea asked idly. The old man cocked his head, observing her from under bushy eyebrows. “No. What makes you think that?” “Oh, because you keep hitting me WITH YOUR WHIP.”

You ask why you. How could it be any but you?”

Arching one eyebrow, he told her, “You should also know, should you choose to return to your Highlands, that once I have dealt with the traitors in my midst, I will march my army into the heart of those lands and not stop until I have you again.” After a stunned moment, Shea threw her head back and laughed. “You are a warlord.”