Chapter 2 -- Hunters and Hunted ; Part five

Abiathar's face tightened. Suddenly he wrapped an arm around Kedemar, whipped out a dagger and held it to the young captain's throat. Kedemar couldn't stifle a gasp as the cold steel bit his neck, and Natalya froze with her dagger drawn halfway out of its sheath. Only Dath remained cool and relaxed. "I'll not be pandering to your demands!" Abiathar snarled. "Get out, or the boy dies!" Kedemar stiffened further as he felt a warm wet trickle running down his neck. Dath allowed himself a small smile. "Idle threats, Abiathar." He countered. Then, moving even quicker than Abiathar had, Dath grabbed the man's knife hand and twisted that arm behind his back. With his free hand, Dath shoved Kedemar out of Abiathar's grasp, then sharply kicked Abiathar's knee. Abiathar went down with a grunt. Free, Kedemar whirled with his dagger drawn and leveled it at his assailant. "Now, Abiathar," Dath's voice was soft with controlled anger. "I could kill you for that. But I won't; you have what I need."