Martin knew that stillness.
"Alex."
The Beastslayer smiled at Kumoe. "Three heads. Nice."
Alexandra's swords lowered by several centimeters, which Martin liked even less than if she had raised them. Kumoe's curious head growled while the right stayed focused on Alexandra.
"Alex."
"I heard you."
Her voice was quiet. The Beastslayer took one step backward into the gate, inviting her to follow. Martin saw it immediately, and judging by the sharp bark from Kumoe's right head, so did she.
Alexandra's weight shifted forward anyway. Martin moved in front of her path, forcing her to stop before she walked straight into his shield.
"Move."
"No."
"He marked her."
"I saw."
"Then move."
Martin kept the shield where it was. "He wants you away from the bellkeepers."
Alexandra looked past him. The Beastslayer was still backing away without attacking, simply waiting for her to take the bait. Her jaw tightened.
