The Skeleton King took both bowls and strode toward the large bonfire. After a few minutes the drumbeat changed its cadence. The rest of the soldiers followed the Skeleton King. But not the cook. He remained behind, tending the spits.

Before Kerrick could decide on his next move, the wind shifted. The strong stench of burned flesh sent him to his knees, gagging and retching.

They wouldn’t...

They couldn’t...

The cook grabbed a meat cleaver. Without the slightest hesitation, he butchered the victims on the table.

They did.

Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER 16

I stared at Noak, trying to gather my wits. He’d just informed me that I was bonded to Tohon and in order to break the bond, Tohon must die. I’d love to oblige him, but Tohon was safely behind enemy lines.

“What will happen if he doesn’t die?” I asked.

“Without Magic Man here, the other’s bond grows stronger. He will destroy your link with Magic Man.”

Not good. Terrifying actually. But it would explain why I didn’t have the Tohon nightmares when I was with Kerrick.

“He must die before link with Magic Man gone,” Noak said.

“Even if I knew where he was—”

“You know.” Noak tapped me on the chest. “Answer is here.”

Lovely. “But I can’t reach him. He’s well protected.”

“Then you are lost.” Noak released my hand.

“What does that mean?”

“Once a bond is forged, it is unbreakable.”

Yikes. “What does this bond do?”

“You linked by magic. You can use his power and he can use yours if you equal. Unequal, the stronger one will take the weaker’s magic and use it all for himself.”

Noak studied my expression. “Yes. That one is stronger than you and Magic Man.” He nodded and walked away.

I expected to warm up once the tribesman left, but this time the cold persisted, soaking deep into my bones. Even knowing I’d get no sleep tonight, I lay down on my bedroll. I pulled the blanket up to my chin. Shivers raced along my skin as I imagined Tohon’s smug smile.

After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, I jerked the blanket off and checked on my patients. Only one required another dose of pain medicine. The rest slept. I organized supplies, rolled bandages, and kept busy until dawn.

Christina took one look at me and ordered me to bed.

“But I’m—” I tried.

“Exhausted and will be of no use to anybody until you get some sleep.” She crossed her arms. “Do I need to ask Sergeant Odd to escort you to your bedroll?”

About to give in, I paused. “Why Odd and not Loren or Quain?”

“You listen to him. Unlike the monkeys. Now go.” She pointed.