I spotted a prone form in the tenth one I checked. Even in the dim light, I knew it was Kerrick. Rushing to his side, I called his name. No response. I felt for a pulse, pressing my fingers on his cold neck. After a moment, I pressed harder. A faint throb pushed back. I shook his shoulder and, not caring who heard, I yelled, “Wake up,” in his ear.

Nothing.

I put a few clues together and gasped.

Kerrick had gone dormant.

Kerrick

KERRICK

Some...thing...

Tugged...

Called...

Wouldn’t...stop...

Energy flooded him, buoying him back to the surface. He opened his eyes. A dark shape bent over him. A warm hand pressed against his frozen cheek. The smell of vanilla filled his nose.

Kerrick blinked. “Avry?” He struggled to sit up. His hands were still manacled behind his back.

She pushed him down. “Easy.”

“Don’t waste—”

“Hush. I’m not letting you hibernate.”

He smiled at her. “I don’t think I have a choice.”

“You won’t survive until spring.”

“But the forest...I survived before.”

“That was only for three weeks. I’m not taking any chances.”

A wave of vigor infused him. His protest died with one look at the stubborn set to her shoulders. After a few more minutes, he felt better.

“Ah, there’s some color,” Avry said, removing her hand. She searched her pockets and produced a small key with a flourish. “Good thing I found this because someone hasn’t taught me how to pick a lock yet.”

The pressure around his wrists eased as the cursed cuffs popped open. His stiff muscles ached and Kerrick groaned as blood rushed to his hands. This time Avry let him push into a sitting position.

“Where are the others?” he asked, rubbing his wrists.

Avry sat back on her heels. “I hope they’ve all escaped. I’m pretty sure Belen is long gone.”

“Not without you.”

“But he would be violating a direct order.”

Kerrick stared at her. They were talking about Belen after all.

She sighed. “Yes, well, the camp is deserted. Seems the Skeleton King is being attacked by Fydelia and her lady warriors.”

Ah, some good news. “Belen and the others most likely joined the fight.” He considered. “Didn’t Fydelia’s women go north with Ryne?”

Now it was her turn to give him a don’t-be-stupid look. Right. They must have looped around to the south, which meant Ryne had lied to Avry, the infirmary workers, and the soldiers left behind to protect them.

He surged to his feet as fury pulsed through him.

Avry hopped up and clutched his arms. “Relax.”

“Relax? That son-of-a-bitch used you for bait again. I’m going to kill him.”

“After the war, he’s all yours. But right now we should find a safe place before the soldiers return.”

Kerrick spotted a sword tucked in Avry’s belt.