Kynan nodded. “I will get word to the children. They are angry, Skeeter, and afraid.”
“Huh. So am I, Kynan Rhys Gower. So am I.”
The Welshman nodded slowly. “Yes. A brave man is one who admits his fear. Only a fool believes himself invincible. The Council of Seven has called an emergency meeting. Another one.”
“That’s no surprise. What time?”
“An hour from now.”
Skeeter nodded. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about losing his job, sneaking off to attend it. Kynan Rhys Gower hesitated. “I have heard what happened, Skeeter. Bergitta is all right?”
“Yeah. Bruised, scared. But Rachel said she’s okay.”
“Good.” The one-time longbow-man’s jaw muscles bunched. “Charlie Ryan is a pig. He hires us because he does not have to pay, what is the up-time word? Union wages.”
“Yeah. Tell me about it.”
“Skeeter . . .”
He glanced up at the ominous growl in the other man’s voice.
“Accidents happen.”
“No.” Skeeter shoved himself to his feet, looked the Welshman straight in the eyes. “No, it’s his right to fire me. And I was doing a lousy job, spending all my time looking for Ianira and Marcus instead of working. I happen to think he’s got his priorities screwed up, but I won’t hear of anything like that. I appreciate it, but it’d just be a waste of effort. Guys like Charlie Ryan are like mushrooms. Squash one, five more pop up. Besides, if anybody’s going to loosen his teeth, it’s gonna be me, okay?”
Kynan Rhys Gower clearly considered arguing, then let it go. “That is your right,” he said quietly. “But you have earned more this day than you have lost.”