I want to say something. Anything. But what is there to say? I can’t make right what I withheld from him. I can’t fix that Kymora knows he’s been helping us.

I can’t even muster up the proper amount of guilt, because he saved us. He was outnumbered thirty to one, and he risked his life for us anyway. He could have easily run off with the money once he saw that we were no longer waiting for him, but he didn’t. He came for us. And he’s not even demanding more money for coming for us.

I can’t help but admire him.

Stiffly, I reach down and pick up the purse.

The mercenary searches among the bodies for his fallen longsword. Meanwhile, Petrik and Temra collect their weapons. My sister grabs Secret Eater and hands it to me. I find the scabbard and attach the weapon to my side once more.

When we’re all set to rights, the four of us stare at one another.

“I’m in this now,” Kellyn says. “Whether I wanted to be or not. There’s nothing left but to stick with you lot until something is done about that.” He jerks his attention to the sword at my side. “What’s the new plan?” His tone is furious, biting. I flinch from it.

“Let’s get moving,” Temra suggests. “Then we can strategize on the way.”

“Our only option right now is the road to Briska,” Kellyn says. “Otherwise it’s back down to Lirasu, where we know the warlord will have men stationed.”

“Then we’ll take the road to Briska,” she says.

CHAPTER
SEVENTEEN

We help ourselves to the warlord’s horses. There’s no sense in leaving perfectly capable and trained beasts behind. Stored among their tack is plenty of food and supplies. So much that there’s no need for us to purchase anything extra. We take everything we can fit onto four beasts and then mount.

It’s only when Temra and I are squared away that I notice Petrik still on the ground, leading his mount by the reins.

“What are you doing?” I ask him.

“Leading the horse.”

“Why?”

He doesn’t answer.

Temra tactfully places a hand over her mouth until she can square her features. “Do you know how to ride?” she asks him.

“Certainly. I’ve read a number of books on the subject.”

“But have you ever done it?”

He doesn’t answer. Kellyn looks about to say something, but I catch his eye and firmly shake my head. Don’t you dare.

“Here,” she says, holding down her hand. “You can ride with me until you get the hang of it. We’ll attach your horse to mine, and he can follow.”

Petrik still seems unsure.

“You’ll slow us down otherwise,” she adds gently.

With that, Petrik grudgingly puts his foot in the stirrup and hoists himself up behind Temra. His riding posture is beyond terrible. He’s unbalanced and clearly terrified.

“Put your arms around me,” Temra tells him.

He does, wrapping them around her waist. His face relaxes minimally. He lets out a squeak when Temra urges the horse to walk on.