“You didn’t answer my question.”
He considered. “She’s been hearing good things about our training. You know what that means, don’t you?”
Unfortunately. “She wants to know more about me.”
“Yep.”
“What did you tell her?”
“The truth.”
I suppressed my fear. Jael knew no other healers had survived the panic during the plague. And the last time I’d seen Jael, she had tried to kill me. I’d buried two of my throwing knives into her in self-defense. One into her upper arm and the other in her thigh. She wasn’t the type to forgive and forget. And without Kerrick’s help, a second attempt to kill me would no doubt succeed.
“The whole truth?” I asked.
Ursan studied my expression. “No. I left out the healer part.”
“Thanks.”
“I didn’t do it for you.”
Uh-oh. Blackmail time. I waited.
“I did it for us.” He swept a hand out, indicating the tents, campfires and soldiers. “Right now, we need this training. So I’m being selfish.”
“Will you let me know when you decide to stop being selfish?”
“I can tell you right now when I’ll stop. Do you want to know?”
“Go on.” I braced for his answer.
“When we move from skirmishes to full-out war. Casualties will unfortunately be much higher and more serious than the sprained ankles and cuts suffered out on patrols.”
“Fair enough.” And another reminder that my time was limited. I needed to talk to Noelle and find Melina.
* * *
On my next day off, I walked into Zabin to buy a few needed items. It had been fifty long days since Kerrick and I parted. I calculated the time it would take for him to reach Ryne’s castle. Then added the approximate days Ryne would need to assemble his elite troops, plus the fact that a bigger group would move more slowly, especially when crossing the Nine Mountains.
My spirits sank. Kerrick and Ryne probably wouldn’t arrive for another week at the earliest and more realistically, not for another two weeks.
The hustle and bustle of the market helped to take my mind off Kerrick. Dressed in my fatigues, I blended into the crowd, and no one gave me more than a passing glance. Handy.
I browsed the stalls, purchasing new undergarments and leather ties for my hair. During Liv and Wynn’s last patrol, I had reapplied Mom’s lightening cream and dyed my hair again. Mom’s estimates of how long my disguise would last didn’t quite match for me. My healing powers accounted for the faster recovery.
After I finished my shopping, I paused in front of the weapons merchant’s table of goods. I hoped it looked as if I hadn’t been planning to stop there. The owner appeared at my elbow. I recognized him from before, but he didn’t show any signs that he remembered me.
He launched into a sales pitch for each weapon I touched. Under his easy, affable personality, I sensed tension, as if he chose his words with care. It made sense, considering this town was basically occupied territory and his livelihood could be shut down at any time by Estrid or Jael.
I played along, asking questions about one or another sword or knife. When he mentioned liquid metal, my heart squeezed harder.
“What’s so special about liquid metal?” I asked, keeping the same noncommittal tone.
“It’s mined from the bottom of the Nine Mountains and the edge never dulls.”
“Never dulls? That’s hard to believe.”
He demonstrated with two different blades, dragging them along a rough surface. The liquid metal kept its sharp edge. Impressive—reminding me my stiletto was also made from the same metal. I hadn’t had to sharpen it yet, but then again, I hadn’t used it that much either.
“Why doesn’t it dull?” I asked.
He floundered for a second. “Well, it’s unique to all the Fifteen Realms. It’s also very flexible, lightweight and near impossible to break.”
In other words, he didn’t know. “Do you have any armor made with liquid metal?”
“That would be useful, especially in these trying times. However, the supply is limited. The mines have been shut down since the plague. I’ve only a few knives left.”
That last bit sounded like a sales ploy. But in the end, I bought a small dagger with a boot sheath so I could hide the weapon.
On my way back to camp, I spotted Belen leaving Jael’s tent. No mistaking the bear of a man who towered over everyone. The sudden desire to run up and hug him pulsed in my veins. Instead, I changed course so I’d avoid passing him.
Belen’s return created problems for me. After a couple days, the camp gossip must have informed him about the silent training. He showed up during one of our sessions, no doubt curious.
At first, he watched or, rather, listened to the exercise. None of the men learning the technique heard his near soundless entrance into the woods, which, considering his size, always impressed me. I knew right away. After traveling with him for three months, I could detect his subtle movements.
He waited until after we had finished for the day to appear as if by magic from a clump of bushes. Two members of the Odd Squad cried out in surprise. I used the distraction to fade into the forest.
“Not bad, gentlemen,” Belen said in his friendly baritone. “You need more practice, but not bad at all.”
They stood a little straighter at the compliment.
Belen glanced around. “So where’s this Sergeant Irina that I’ve been hearing about?”
I kept still, hoping no one saw where I’d disappeared. The men exchanged looks as a murmur rippled through the two squads.
Ursan came to my rescue. “She’s out on a special assignment. Can I help you?”
“No need, Sergeant,” Belen said. “Just wanted to compare notes. When she returns, can you tell her I’d like to talk?”
“I’ll let her know. Will you be around for a while or are you heading out soon?” Ursan asked.
Standing next to Belen, Ursan didn’t appear to be as tall or as muscular. Belen had a few inches on Ursan and was thicker. Lines of fatigue creased Belen’s face, and he sported a few cuts and bruises. He rubbed his big hand over the black stubble on his jaw. His hair had also grown. The ends brushed the collar of his shirt.
“I’m staying for a couple more days,” Belen said.
“Another patrol?”
“No. It’s personal, Sergeant. I need to find my friends. They’ve been gone too long.”
Belen hid his emotions, but I knew Poppa Bear must be beside himself with worry over us. He’d protected Kerrick since childhood. It had to be hard not knowing what had happened while we’d been in Sogra, rescuing Ryne from Tohon.
Then it hit me. Belen needed to be told Ryne and the others were safe. Otherwise, he’d search Sogra and Vyg for us. And he’d get caught and killed.
How could I give him this information without revealing myself? I considered my options as Ursan, Belen and the others left the forest, returning to the camp. I could send him an anonymous note, or start a rumor. But would he believe them? It was worth a try. If he decided to leave regardless, I would stop him.
After waiting a few more minutes, I headed back. When I reached my tent, Ursan stepped from the shadows.
“That’s the third time I’ve covered for you,” he said. “You owe me some answers.”
I glanced at his hands, checking for weapons. None. Relaxing slightly, I crossed my arms. “For what questions?”
“Why did you hide from Belen?”
“Didn’t Lieutenant Thea tell you?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice.
“She doesn’t confide everything.”
Interesting. I’d thought he was her go-to guy for advice. Was this a test? “I had a run-in with Belen a few years ago and would like to avoid another encounter.”
“But he knows your name.” Understanding lit his expression. “You used another name then.”
I gave him a tight smile.
&n
bsp; “I’m tired of guessing. Tell me who you are. You owe me,” he said.
That was the second time he’d said I owed him, and this time it pissed me off. “Two squads disappeared without a trace in sector five, Sergeant. Yet you and all your jumping jacks returned alive and well from that very sector. I’d say we’re even.”
He opened his mouth, but I said, “Think about it.”
“I have. It was too easy getting there and back. It could have been all a ploy to get us to trust you.”
“And look at how well it worked.” I didn’t bother to suppress my sarcasm. I continued before he could reply. “Are you going to arrest me?”
Ursan frowned but didn’t reply.
I pushed past him and entered my tent. Not much I could do if he decided to expose me. I had bigger worries. Like how I would stop Belen from leaving the camp.
Except a couple days later, my problem had been solved. A messenger on horseback arrived, announcing that Prince Ryne’s troops would be here in about a week. The gossip zipped through the camp, igniting a variety of emotions.
A majority thought we didn’t need Prince Ryne and his elite troops, others welcomed the additional soldiers, while two of us—me and, I was sure, Belen—were ecstatic to hear the news.
Ten days later, Ryne rode into camp. He sat on a huge chestnut-colored horse. Quain and Loren rode just behind him on two piebald mares. They led a small battalion.
I scanned every single one of those faces—approximately four hundred soldiers. My heart thumped up my throat. Just to be certain, I looked a second time, but the results were the same.
Kerrick wasn’t among them.
KERRICK
“No. Absolutely not. You can’t have them,” Izak said.
Kerrick kept his temper...barely. “I’m not asking for your permission—”
“Good, because you won’t get it.”
Izak’s stubbornness matched his own. It was about the only thing the brothers had in common. While dark-haired Kerrick had grown over six feet tall, Izak was five feet ten inches with white-blond hair. Izak’s icy blue eyes stayed the same color all year. Kerrick had been the only family member to be gifted with magic, which had always been a source of conflict between them.
“Let me rephrase,” Kerrick said in an even tone. “I don’t need your permission. I—”
“You haven’t been here in three years. What you need is to reacquaint yourself with what’s going on in Alga Realm.”
He gave Izak a cold stare. “Just what has been going on?”
Izak gestured to the windows. They were in the sitting area of their father’s royal suite. When King Neil died from the plague five years ago, Kerrick had inherited the position. However, he had stayed in his own rooms and refused to allow anyone to call him king. But Izak had moved into the expansive suite of rooms right away. He also had no qualms about being called king.
“Peace and prosperity,” Izak said. “Alga is a safe haven for the plague survivors.”
“Because of Prince Ryne, you idiot. Without his help, Alga Realm wouldn’t exist.”
“And I’m grateful, but I can’t let you take my soldiers because of some crazy rumor.”
By pure force of will, Kerrick did not strangle his brother. Avry would be proud of him, provided she’d speak to him after he failed to show up with Ryne and half his army. The other half was bivouacking in the fields north of Orel, Kerrick’s hometown. Ryne had asked him to gather more troops and address the threat from the northern wildlands. He couldn’t refuse. It was too important. But he had insisted Quain and Loren go with Ryne, despite their protests. Kerrick knew they would protect Avry once her secret was out.
“They are not yours, Izak. I did not abdicate the throne.” He held up a hand, stopping his younger brother’s outburst. “It isn’t a rumor. If the northern tribes reach Alga, then the peace and prosperity you’re so proud of will be gone.”
Izak pished. “We can defend against the tribes. The message could have been from one of Tohon’s spies. What a great tactic. Lure all our soldiers north while he sneaks in over the Nine Mountains.”
“Ryne already ruled that out. The source of the message is reliable, and he detailed hundreds of warriors. The tribal people are ruthless, they—”
“Probably have been decimated by the plague, as well.”
Kerrick ceased arguing. It was a waste of time. He strode to the door, yanked it open and ordered one of the guards standing outside to fetch General Zamiel.
“You can’t...”
Kerrick waited, but Izak didn’t finish. Good. “Before General Zamiel arrives, I’ve another matter to discuss.” He settled into his father’s favorite armchair.
Wary, Izak perched on the edge of the desk, crossing his arms. “Go on.”
“I brought two children with me. Zila and Danny and their nanny, Berna. The kids are...special. And they’re going to need protection while I’m in the north.”
“How much protection?”
“A squad dedicated to keeping them safe.”
Izak dropped his arms. “That is special. What are you worried about?”
“Kidnappers sent by Tohon.”
He stood in alarm. “Why did you bring them here? We’re closer to Tohon. They’d be safer in Ryne’s castle.”
Kerrick agreed. However, with this new threat from the north, Ryne believed they’d be better protected in Orel. “You have the pass between Alga and Sogra guarded, right?”
“Of course. And I’ve a couple battalions along the coast in case Tohon decides to invade from the Endless Sea.”
“Tohon’s been too busy with Estrid to worry about the northern realms. The kids should be fine,” Kerrick said, trying to convince himself.
“I think you and Ryne are being rather naive regarding Tohon.”
An odd statement. Izak’s demeanor set off a warning, but before Kerrick could question him, the door burst open.
Great-Aunt Yasmin entered with a swish of skirts. She clutched her shawl tight, but her sharp gaze sliced right through Kerrick. Uh-oh.
“Three years, Kerry.” She held up three gnarled fingers. “You’re gone three years and I have to hear about your return from my maid.” She radiated indignation, anger and guilt-inducing energy at him.
Izak’s smirk died when she rounded on him. “Don’t be so smug, young man. You haven’t seen your brother in years and you’ve been fighting with him! What kind of welcome is that?”
“How did—”
She harrumphed. “I’m old, not stupid. Now come here, Kerry, and give your favorite auntie a hug.”
Kerrick bent over and gave her a gentle squeeze. She was half his size and all bones. Her white hair had been pulled up into a neat bun. Great-Aunt Yasmin looked pretty good for a ninety-year-old.
She rested her hand on his cheek and smiled. “Ah, Kerry. You’ve found your heart. Who is she?”
He shouldn’t have been surprised. Despite her claim to have no magical abilities, she had a canny knack for reading a person’s soul.
“A healer, but she’s...gone.”
She patted his cheek as if consoling him, but the shrewd gleam in her gray eyes told him she wasn’t buying his act at all. Great-Aunt Yasmin stepped away instead of questioning him further.
“What have you boys been arguing about?” she asked.
They exchanged a glance.
“I’m old, not fragile. If it’s bad news, you’d be better off if I heard it from you and not my maid.”
Kerrick explained about the northern tribes invading Krakowa. “I want to take at least half of the Algan army and drive the tribes back into the wildlands.”
Surprised, Great-Aunt Yasmin turned to Izak. “Didn’t you tell Kerry about the deal?”
Izak’s face paled. “How did...? Never mind. Old, not stupid, I know.”
“What deal?” Kerrick asked.
Izak stepped back as if expecting a blow. “You weren’t here. I did what I could for our people.”
“He was too young when you left him in charge, Kerry. Don’t blame him for panicking and making a deal with King Tohon.”
CHAPTER 6
I scanned the soldiers’ faces a third and fourth time, hoping Kerrick had decided to arrive at Estrid’s camp incognito. It would have been an excellent idea since Jael had no qualms about killing him either. However, no one even resembled him or matched his build.
Disappointment and worry flared in equal measure. Had Tohon’s men caught up to him before he’d reached Ryne’s? Was he hurt? Captured? Or killed? Despite the danger, I edged closer to the procession as they paraded right past Jael’s tent and headed straight for the manor house.
Jael watched Ryne and his men go by with an icy glare. Would she try to harm them? Noelle stood by her side and studied the passing soldiers with a keen interest. Was she looking for me? Did that little smile mean she was happy about my absence?
Belen was far from happy. He strode right up to the procession and blocked Prince Ryne’s path. The horse stopped. Smart horse. Belen grabbed the horse’s cheek strap and spoke to Ryne.
He had to be asking about Kerrick. I hurried to catch up, but Ryne leaned forward and said something to Belen. It must have soothed him, because he released the horse and walked next to Quain and Loren. From atop their horses, both men gave Belen queasy smiles before returning their gazes to Ryne’s back.
They dismounted in the courtyard in front of the manor house and then entered with Belen in tow. I grunted in frustration. Who could I ask about Kerrick? None of the soldiers waiting patiently outside looked familiar. I couldn’t just stroll into the building with both Estrid’s and Ryne’s armies watching.
Frustration welled. I would just have to wait for the camp gossip to reach our company. Or did I? One of the reasons for this ruse was so I could gather information about Estrid’s army and operations. Who could I tell this to now? I’d have to reveal myself, and I still hadn’t talked to Noelle or found Melina.
I sucked in a breath, settling my racing heartbeat. No need to rush into a decision. News about Avry the healer and Prince Kerrick would reach me, and I’d get a better sense of how to proceed.
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