Cossa spasms on Valeria's shoulder like a world-record fish.
I draw my sword as we exit the top of the firewatch tower. Endangered has gone haywire once more—I no longer have Sunshine-pilled, but who gives a fuck. I'll stop being a pussy, grit my teeth, and get on with it.
I lead the way down the stairs, with Valeria lugging Cossa behind me.
A single masked attacker meets us halfway. We stand locked. Frozen.
"Lo, fellow Mateiko," I lower my sword tip and nod. "We have captured the target. Please make way."
"You…. um," his demeanor is frightened and spastic. "The Mad Raven said… that you all are enemies now."
"She did?" I turn my head back to Valeria. "Hear that? Leara betrayed us."
Valeria's face sinks. "Are you… did she really?"
"No moron!" I yell. "These guys are full of shit!"
I turn back to the masked attacker, who, thinking I've lowered my guard, tries to stab me with his short sword.
