Briar was aware that Tris was speaking, but he couldn't hear anything past the roaring in his ears.
War magic.
He swallowed, choking a little on the lump in his throat. He remembered very well the war mages of Yanjing—arrogant, bloodthirsty, and completely oblivious to the fact that their very magic stunk of death.
"You can't." He said harshly, interrupting Sandry. "I won't let you." This was the whole reason Tris had gone to Lightsbridge, wasn't it? So she didn't have to kill people for money. So she wouldn't have nightmares every night, of pirates and slaves, and cousins dead for money.
"Please." Sandry pleaded. She never begged. "Why can't you sell charms in the marketplace?"
Daja snorted. She was sitting on the floor of their small room, leaning back against the wall. "We're foreign, that's why. What's worse is we're poor foreigners. None of these people are going to take magic from strangers."
"I'm not planning on marching into the barracks spouting lightning." Tris snapped. "You'd all do well to remember I can do more than torch people. A weather-mage is in high demand in a place like Tortall, where one half of the country can be snowed under and the other half is up to their knees in flood."
Briar wished he had something to make this madness end. His practical side whispered, You know we need the money—rent is like putting a sieve in our pockets. We're scraping by on Daja's paycheck and Sandry's commissions. And you know it's a good idea to have someone on the inside.
"I won't stand in your way if you tell us the real reason you're doing this." Briar said. His green eyes held Tris's grey. "You hate fighting. Money wasn't reason enough before, and it isn't now. Tell me the truth."
Tris shifted. "We're being watched."
Everyone shifted, and by unspoken agreement, they all fell into each other's minds. Are you sure? Sandry asked, her voice echoing with distress; she felt like a snag in a piece of cloth.
Someone spelled Chime. Tris's voice crackled back.
They all eyed Chime, who was sitting innocently on the table, her head cocked as if she could understand their silent conversation.
How did we not notice? Daja asked. We're getting too complacent.
Do you understand now? Tris's voice had a note of desperation. I need to find the mage who bugged Chime—and I can't ask any of you to do it, because as far as these Westerners are concerned, your magics don't exist!
Hey, it's alright Coppercurls. Briar wrapped his arm around Tris's shoulders. Daja and Sandry automatically fell into a loose circle around them, lending their strength. Tris took a shaky breath. It's not like you're really going to be alone.
Their minds sighed and contracted in unison. We are never alone.