Ryne asked Kerrick to write a message. “I’ll send someone tonight.” Then he sobered. “I can’t count on him, so I’ll need to go forward with the plan to rescue Estrid.”

“When is the attack?” Kerrick asked.

“Two days from now.”

It would take Kerrick four days to walk there. “Do you have any horses?”

“No. Big noisy creatures aren’t good for guerrilla-warfare tactics.”

Too bad Kerrick had sent Oya back to the northern tribes. He’d have to find another horse.

“I know you want to catch up with Avry and Flea. Then what?” Ryne asked.

“What do you mean?”

“With your forest magic, you’re my best scout. You can get past enemy lines and I really need accurate information on where Cellina’s forces are.”

“I’d rather stay with Avry.” If she wanted him. Kerrick worried she’d distance herself from him in order to avoid getting hurt again.

“I’ve two of my best squads guarding the infirmary. Once Estrid’s rescued, Avry won’t be in any more danger.”

Kerrick just stared at his friend.

“She shouldn’t be in danger, but... Yeah, we both know it’ll find her.” Ryne rubbed his hand along the stubble on his chin. “It’s up to you. I won’t order you to return. But think about this....” He paused as if debating what to tell Kerrick.

Kerrick braced for bad news. “Think about what?”

“Belen. No one has heard anything or seen him. But no one can get close enough to the enemy.”

Ryne didn’t disappoint. His words sucker punched Kerrick right in the gut, implying only Kerrick could discover where his best friend had been.

“Low blow, Ryne.”

“I’m despicable, I know. And you shouldn’t be surprised.”

“I’m not.”

“Will you think about it?”

“Yes. But Avry first.”

“Of course.”

“Anything else I need to know about?” Kerrick asked.

“I’ve heard rumors about a Skeleton King down in Ryazan Realm. He’s gathered an army and is marching north.”

“Bad news. We encountered him once when searching for Avry, and barely made it out alive.”

“I sent a scout.”

From Ryne’s dour expression, Kerrick braced for more bad news. “And?”

“The scout returned with a package for me. The Skeleton King sent me a crown made from human bones and a note.” He sighed. “He warned me that he was coming and he planned to conquer—his word, not mine—both Cellina’s and my forces. And that when he is victorious over us all, I will crown him with this special crown.”

“How much of a threat is he?”

“Pretty big for us. For Cellina, not so much. She has over two thousand living troops and close to a thousand dead ones. Plus a dead-ufa pack or three.”