Chapter Nine

Mixed Allegiances

"Your friend is quite attached to his former kin," Zargath commented to Katrina.

"Yes, master," she murmured in response. Sorin and the others were gathering together gear from Mrs. Winters' carts, while she and Zargath watched from a short distance. "It happens a lot to new Risen. He's just a little mixed up, that's all. He'll come around in time."

"We don't have time for him to come around," Zargath countered. Katrina cringed slightly, knowing the venomous anger hidden behind his thin veil of civility.

"Please, master, I'll take him to see Her Dark Ladyship," Katrina replied tremulously. "She'll set him straight."

"This mission is far too important to be jeopardized because he can't recall whose side he's on." Zargath turned to her, glaring at her with his beady eyes. "Both for your Dark Lady, and for us. Don't forget whose side you're on, either."

Katrina bowed her head. "Of course, master."

"Take him to see the Dark Lady. Then meet us before daybreak at Lordaering Cove."

"Yes, master."

"And, Katrina – he stays in the Undercity."

Katrina nodded gravely. "Yes, master."