There was no sense letting Odd know they hadn’t discussed strategy yet, so Kerrick mulled over Odd’s offer. Could they trust him? What if Odd was working undercover for Estrid and planned to sabotage their mission? Odd’s comments about Avry clearly indicated where Odd’s loyalties belonged...with Avry. Better than with Estrid.

“All right, get your things packed. We might as well travel together.”

When they finished, Kerrick led them toward the cave. He’d just about exhausted all his energy, so he trained his attention only on the immediate area. Big mistake. By the time they reached the cave, it was empty.

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER 12

The off notes woke me from a light sleep. Quain stood a few feet away. His sword reflected the weak moonlight. More faint rustles sounded. Not Kerrick. Even if he was angry at us, he would be soundless. Unless something was wrong.

“Should I wake the others?” I whispered.

“We’re awake,” Flea said.

“What do you think, Quain, five or six?” Loren asked in a low voice.

“Maybe more. They’re good.”

Fear chased away all sleep fuzziness. I pushed my blankets aside and stood. “Let’s move closer to the Death Lily.”

“And be breakfast? No thanks,” Quain said.

“It won’t eat you if you’re with me.” I palmed two throwing knives.

We backed toward the Death Lily. The intruders would have to pass the Peace Lilys to get to us, but hopefully they’d balk at the sight of the Lilys. We had returned to our original campsite after the fumes from the bat guano had overwhelmed Flea.

“Flea and Quain, you take the left side. Avry and I’ll get the right.” Loren gripped his sword as he stared at the patch of forest where the slight noises emanated.

I considered who’d attack us in the middle of the night. Cellina, Jael, Estrid, Ryne—we certainly didn’t lack for enemies.

The off notes stopped and Kerrick materialized on the far side. I relaxed until he focused on me. Exhaustion and anger creased his face. Was that why he’d sounded like a whole squad of soldiers?

“Why didn’t you stay in the cave?” Kerrick asked in his flat tone.

“The place stank of bat sh—” Quain started.

“Flea fainted,” I interrupted. “It was unhealthy to be in there.”

Kerrick’s shoulders drooped. I hurried over to share my energy. But before I reached him, he turned and called, “All clear.”

A group of people entered the clearing. Surprised, I stopped until I recognized Odd. I glanced at Kerrick. “What’s going on?”

“They came to help you.”

All my fear and uncertainty fled and I rushed over to Odd, hugging him. “Oh, Odd, I’m so sorry.”

His arms paused halfway around me. “Sorry about what?”

“For thinking bad thoughts about you.”