“It started a feud between the villages, and the feud turned into a war. Borders were drawn, forts and castles were built. The first Skarlan king killed Frayne. Frayne's son declared war to avenge his father, and the rest is history.” Ren looked across at Anik, curious to see his reaction.

Anik had his head tilted, one eyebrow raised. “It sounds a bit unbelievable.”

That triggered a laugh from Ren, who shrugged. “Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. Regardless of how true it is, it started a century-long war.”

“I thought there was a peace agreement,” Anik said.

“There was. My grandfather fought the last battle against Skarlan. It was a disaster. A terrible drought killed over half the armies on both sides. I think everyone was sick of fighting at that point.”

“The peace didn't last long,” Anik noted.

Ren huffed, a bitter sound. “Fucking Skarlans.”

“You can say that again. And all the while your people fought and argued, Lowlanders lived peacefully just south of your blood-stained forts and castles.” Anik bowed his head, picking at a dry patch of lichen. “Until the Skarlans found us.”

Ren watched Anik's face. Halvard had hurt Anik's family just like he had hurt Ren's. Ren supposed that if anyone understood why this fight was so important, it was Anik.

When the settlers had split the land into two nations, both countries had gathered as many resources as they could to fortify themselves against each other. It didn't surprise Ren that the Skarlans had deemed the hardy and strong Lowlanders a valuable human resource despite their reputation.

“So that's the North,” Anik said, angling his chin towards the winding slopes before them.

Ren nodded. “Yes, that's the North. Or, it's that way, at least. Stag's Run passage is many miles long.”

“Those aren't exactly stags, though,” Anik said, pointing to the herd of cattle grazing on the slope. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “So what do you say, skahli? Lord of Cattle's Run?”

Ren rolled his eyes. “They use the cattle for-” He paused. Cattle's Run. The idea almost knocked the breath from his lungs. He gripped Anik's arm, making him flinch. “I think I know how we can defeat the army.”

CHAPTER TEN

Ren led the way to the passage gates, Anik and Jayce on his heels. A pair of soldiers pushed open the large gates and several curious cows lifted their heads.

“We don't have very many soldiers, but we have cattle,” Ren said, the frost cracking under his boots as he strode forward. The animals watched him curiously, trying to determine whether he had food, then lowered their heads to nibble the short grass.

“How many are there?” Ren asked, turning to face Jayce.

“Thirty-one, I think. What exactly do you intend for the cows to do?” Jayce asked, looking between Ren and Anik.

It was Anik who answered. “The moat.”