Tolly’s mouth turned up. ‘It’s funny hearing phrases like “rebel group” and “Emlyn ghosts”. We’re just a bunch of desperate people who figured out we could stay alive in a pack. The only difference between us and the people in the camp is that we’re not ready to give up yet.’

‘And you have matching cloaks.’

‘That part’s important.’

Blackmane smirked. After a beat of silence, he said, ‘Come meet with the St Clare people. Have a conversation. That’s it.’ When Tolly did not respond, he added, ‘The alternative is you live like this forever.’

The muscles in his brother’s face tightened. Then he gave a reluctant nod. ‘All right. One meeting.’

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

Unsurprisingly, Isabel was not very good at the rock game. She was aware of the women watching her the whole time, no doubt worried she might suddenly pull a knife on their offspring or drag them off to the camp while they were not looking. She was also aware of Tolly and Blackmane slowly relaxing into each other’s presence. While the shock for both of them must have been enormous, she was warmed by the fact that they had found each other after all these years.

‘Where are your children?’ the boy asked, handing her the rock for her next turn. ‘In the camp?’

Her heart pinched. ‘I do not have any children.’

‘Is that your husband?’

‘No.’ She glanced over at Blackmane, who was watching her as closely as the women were, but for a different reason. He was the furthest thing from her husband. He was a defender of Chadora. And she had no intention of ever living behind walls again. Not that he had asked her—or even hinted at it as a possibility.

Blackmane said something to Tolly, then walked over to where she was standing. ‘Who’s winning?’

‘Me,’ said the boy. ‘She’s not very good, but neither was my mother. She was good at making bread, though.’ He looked back at Isabel. ‘Do you make good bread? He might marry you if it’s really good.’

Isabel’s cheeks flooded with colour. ‘I am a very average baker. I am certain the defender can do much better if that is part of his criteria.’ She glanced awkwardly at Blackmane, who was watching her with a serious expression.

‘I’m taking Tolly to meet with the St Clare group. I need you to stay here.’

That explained the serious expression. ‘Why? The whole point is to get me to Ita. Then you get to go home.’

He exhaled. ‘The point is to keep you safe, and the safest place for you right now is here in this cave.’

She shook her head. ‘You cannot exclude me from this. I am part of it whether you like it or not.’

‘I’m not excluding you. I’m simply asking that you remain here while Hodge is combing the forest looking for you.’