“Yes. Ryne’s first headquarters. Do you have fond memories of that cave?”

“I don’t like caves,” I said.

“Really? Yet you spend so much time in them.”

“They provide protection for my patients.”

“Yes, they’re handy for protection.” Tohon led me straight to the entrance.

I hesitated. Once inside, the chances of my rescue or escape bottomed out at zero. The soldiers behind us moved closer.

“Go on, my dear. Make a break for it. It might make you feel better. Frankly, this docile act is rather boring.”

I’d get two steps before being tackled. No thanks. I walked toward the cave. Right before I entered, an icy chill brushed my skin, raising goose bumps on my arms. An omen? Or something else? A memory stirred and then slipped out of reach.

Instead of a damp, cold cavern, warmth pulsed. A fire had been started and comfortable chairs set around it. In fact, the place had all the trappings of Tohon’s lavish tent. Most of the men followed us inside, but the ufas remained outside.

“Impressed?” Tohon asked.

“Yes. I’d like caves a lot more if they were all like this.”

He laughed. “Stick with me, my dear, and you’ll never have to sleep on the ground again.”

“If you’re giving me the choice, then I’ll take the ground.”

“And there’s the sarcasm. Good, I was getting worried.” Tohon yanked off his metal collar and tossed it aside.

When he approached me, I recognized the gleam in his eyes. I backed away until I bumped into the wall. He unhooked my collar and dropped it, and then removed the knit cap. Untying my bun, Tohon let my hair down. He placed his hands on either side of my head and leaned in as if to kiss me.

I ducked.

With a growl, he hauled me to my feet. “Cute.” He put his hand over my mouth and shoved my head back. Hard.

Pain exploded as my skull connected with the stone. He let go and I slid down. My vision blurred and the cave spun, but I held on to consciousness. I remained on the ground as Tohon settled in a chair and directed his men.

Soldiers arrived from time to time with news. Eventually the sharp pain dulled into a throb. I struggled into a sitting position.

One man ran into the cave and announced they were under attack.

Tohon huffed in amusement. “Under attack? With such a small force, it’s more like a nuisance than an attack.”

“But, sire. There are hundreds of them! Coming from all directions.”

Tohon hopped to his feet. “Details, now!”

The man explained, his words tumbling out with a rush. “They don’t look like Prince Ryne’s troops. They have strange curved blades and colorful sashes.”

Noak and his men! I suppressed a shout of joy.

“We have plenty of troops. Send them where they need to be,” Tohon ordered.