And I love you, but don’t you dare give up or I’ll be mad at you!

Who said anything about giving up? “Even with the Skeleton King’s help, you’ll never outsmart Tohon, Sepp,” Kerrick said.

“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. I’m following orders.”

“The Skeleton King has probably already worked out a deal with Tohon. And I’m sure it involves turning you, Wynn, and Avry over to him.”

“Your scare tactics won’t work.” Sepp gestured. “Separate them. The king doesn’t want her frozen.”

The guards stood, yanked the net off Kerrick and tossed me aside. They yanked him to his feet and held him tight.

“When I give the signal, release him,” Sepp instructed the guards. “Otherwise, you’ll be frozen, too.”

And then the best sound in the world cut through the tension. Ripping fabric followed by widening gaps of moonlight. The tent filled with people and a flurry of action.

Familiar voices shouted and barked orders.

Quain, “Don’t let the bastard touch you.”

Kerrick, “Use the net!”

Loren, “I’ll take the two on the left.”

Flea, “Hold him still.”

Quain, “Finish this. Reinforcements are coming.”

And the most wonderful voice of all, Belen, “He’s mine. You take care of the short guy.”

Loren, “Watch out!”

Kerrick, “Flea, don’t—”

Wynn, “That’s quite enough.”

Everyone stopped and turned. Wynn held Flea in front of her like a shield. She held the dart filled with Death Lily toxin close to his neck. “No one moves or I’ll kill him,” Wynn said.

Did Kerrick remember the toxin couldn’t hurt Flea?

Kerrick said. “Go ahead.”

Yes! But everyone else yelled, “No!”

Kerrick recovered his weapon and tightened his grip on the hilt. Flea put his hand on Wynn’s arm.

Wynn’s brow creased. “You’re willing to sacrifice this boy?”

“I’m not a boy,” Flea said. “I’m a death magician who is about to neutralize you.” He froze her in a magical stasis.

Flea had learned how to use his power. Yay Flea!

Sepp grabbed Loren, but before he could issue an ultimatum, Kerrick shouted, “Down.”

Loren sat, sliding right from Sepp’s grasp. Kerrick swung his sword and the sharp edge of the dadao sliced right through Sepp’s neck, decapitating him. Blood splashed and then pooled on the floor.

And finally, the Death Lily toxin wore off and I slammed back into my body. All the aches and pains in my limbs sprang to life. The skin around my wrists burned as the rope bit deeper. I groaned.

Belen rushed over and untied me. Then threw me over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Flea supported Kerrick and the monkeys held swords at the ready. The reason for the tension and their fighting stances stood beyond the shredded fabric of the tent. Hundreds of soldiers surrounded us.

“What’s the plan?” Quain asked.