“Any enemy coming our way?” he asked.

“No. Wynn’s force is heading toward the border.”

“Should I send another message?”

“No. Keep all your soldiers close.”

“All right.” Odd nodded and walked into the cave.

Kerrick cared for the horses, watering and feeding them. Running his hand over their legs seeking hot spots, he hoped they’d be rested by the morning. He built a small fire and determined the best direction for them to travel in the morning, mapping the quickest route in his mind.

Worry for Avry swirled in his thoughts. Kerrick tried not to dwell on her predicament and instead wondered what outrageous stories Belen and the others were reciting by the fire inside the cave. Muted chuckles floated from the entrance, along with a delicious-smelling stew. Mom worked fast.

As the air cooled, he inched closer to the flames. Even with the pop and sizzle of the burning wood, it was too quiet. Too... Kerrick longed to join the others, but he needed to conserve his strength for tomorrow. A weakness had soaked into his bones.

“Kerrick?” a familiar voice called.

Danny stood nearby, holding a bowl and peering at the campfire. Kerrick pulled magic and turned normal. A big grin spread on the boy’s face as he raced over to him. He gave Kerrick a one-armed hug.

“I would have come out sooner, but I had to finish my rounds,” Danny said.

“Finish your rounds? My, don’t you sound all official,” Kerrick teased.

The boy puffed up his chest. “I’m useful.” Then he sobered. “I’m sorry about Avry. We—”

“Do not apologize. Nothing you could have done.”

“I know. It’s just...” Danny growled with frustration. “She’d just made a major breakthrough and now...”

“What breakthrough?”

“Didn’t Odd tell you?”

“No.” And he’d like to throttle the man, but he hid his annoyance.

“She cured the new plague!”

Kerrick’s shock lasted mere seconds. If anyone was going to figure it out, it’d be Avry. That’s my girl. He gestured for Danny to sit beside him. “Tell me.”

Danny plopped down and thrust the bowl into his hands. “Forgot. This is from...Mom.” His lips twisted over the name as if he’d never said the word before.

Poor kid probably hadn’t. Kerrick rummaged in his pack for a spoon.

“It’s the best stew I’ve ever had. You should have seen Judd’s face. She took over the cooking without a word. He was angry until she turned his boring stew into this.”

Kerrick scooped up a mouthful. The venison melted on his tongue. Ah, yes, he’d missed Mom’s cooking. Before the next bite, he prompted Danny. “The cure?”

As Kerrick ate, Danny told him how Avry followed the logic. “Can you believe that? All from Odd’s comment? I didn’t think it’d work!”