They built a small fire and sat on opposite sides as if negotiating a treaty. The guards fanned out in a wide circle around them. Kerrick explained waking in the forest and his new limitations. “That’s why I couldn’t go inside. I still don’t have enough energy to leave for long.”

Ryne hadn’t said anything during his story. Now he leaned back against a tree trunk. “That’s...quite a story. Avry was right again. Good thing she’s not the type to gloat.”

The warmth in Ryne’s voice raised Kerrick’s hackles. “Why did you bring her to HQ when she’s needed at the infirmary?”

Ryne told him about the Lilys. “She completely disregarded my orders and put my men in danger, but I couldn’t yell at her because she discovered vital information. Do you know how frustrating that is?”

Oh, yes, Kerrick was well acquainted with Avry’s inability to follow directions. “I’ve found the best way to work with her is to explain the situation. She’ll figure out the best way to approach it and you avoid the whole ‘ordering her around’ thing.”

“I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Kerrick laughed at Ryne’s martyred expression. “What was the vital information?”

“Cellina sent troops to our north. She was doing a classic backdoor sneak, but once word of the...incident with Avry reaches her she might change tactics. Regardless of her plans, I need to protect our flank, which means we had to change the attack on Zabin to a distraction and rescue.” He continued outlining his plans.

“Wait? You’re sending Flea and Avry to rescue Estrid?”

“Do you have another idea? I’m open to suggestions,” Ryne snapped.

Kerrick waited.

“Sorry. I don’t like it, either, but I’ve no choice.” Ryne lowered his voice. “I need Estrid. My army is small and we’re scrambling to stay in this. Without her forces, it’s just a matter of time until we’re forced back over the Nine Mountains.”

Not good. A stray thought struck Kerrick. Would he be able to cross the Nine Mountains? Forests grew between the ridges, but the peaks were bare. He might never see his home again. Refusing to dwell on those thoughts, Kerrick focused on the problem at hand—keeping Avry and Flea safe.

“What if I send a message to Noak asking for aid?” Kerrick asked.

“Noak? The leader of the northern tribes?”

“Well, technically, his sister, Rakel’s, in charge, but he leads their warriors.”

“Do you think he’ll come?” Ryne asked.

“I’ve no idea if he will help. It wasn’t too long ago he wished to slaughter our entire population, but Danny did save his people. We won’t know unless we ask.”