“We haven’t encountered any dead squads in a few weeks. Either we’ve neutralized the bulk of them, or Cellina has pulled them back into Vyg Realm.” Ryne tapped a finger on his lips. “It’s a nice reprieve. As for Cellina and the Skeleton King, we’ll just have to outsmart them.”

“Good thing we now have Estrid and her army,” I added, hoping to brighten the mood further.

Ryne and the monkeys exchanged a significant glance.

Uh-oh. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Ryne ran a hand over his face and suddenly he looked twenty years older. He hunched over as if all his responsibilities pressed down on his shoulders. They probably did, considering he was twenty-seven and the fate of our world rested with him.

“Come on, Ryne. Fess up,” I prodded.

“Estrid decided to gather all her forces and acolytes and return home to Ozero Realm.”

Kerrick

KERRICK

The news about the Skeleton King had been bad enough, but now Kerrick felt as though the ground had just dropped out from under him. Without Estrid’s forces... No, he wouldn’t go there. It was too horrible to contemplate.

Avry’s face lost all color. “You’re joking, right?”

“I wish,” Ryne said. “Estrid’s terrified and plans to seal her borders tight, not letting anyone in or out.”

“That strategy won’t work if Cellina’s army reaches Ozero Realm,” Kerrick said.

Ryne shook his head. “I tried every conceivable argument and used every ounce of reason and logic I possess to convince her to stay and fight.”

“Does anyone else think she’s an ungrateful bitch?” Quain asked.

Loren raised his hand. “Me.”

“I wasted a perfectly good dinner for her,” Flea said only half joking.

“What about her army?” Kerrick asked Ryne, hoping for a bit of good news.

“She sent orders out to her soldiers to return to Ozero immediately and I’ve sent word out that all are welcome to stay.”

“Did you say pretty please? I’m not above begging,” Quain said.

“Any takers?” Kerrick regretted the question as Ryne’s expression darkened.

“No.”

“Not even the odd squad?” Avry’s voice broke.

Kerrick glanced at her. Odd had been the grunt who’d charged from the infirmary all concerned and protective when they’d arrived. A twinge of jealousy touched his heart. Did she care for him? Were they more than friends? Her pale face revealed a hurt betrayal.

“It’s tough for Odd right now,” Ryne said. “Estrid’s still here and he’d pledged to fight for her, as did all of her forces. However, I’m thinking once she leaves, we’ll have a few...defectors.”

“Wait. Estrid’s still here?” Avry asked.

“Yes, she’s organizing her retreat.”

“In my infirmary?” Color returned to her cheeks in an instant.

Kerrick exchanged a look with the monkeys. All were glad Avry’s ire wasn’t aimed at them for once.