“I still don’t know yet,” Pan said. “I’m going to hand you off to the Markis Ansvarig Patrik Boden. He’s in charge of Isarna and their military, but I don’t know if he’s been appointed Överste or not.”

In times of war, the Överste was the officer in charge of commanding the soldiers, although declarations of war and actual battle plans still needed to be decided by the King or Queen.

Pan and I had been in contact with Elof and Dagny as we traveled, so we had gotten some updates on how things were going, but they had also been very busy getting the army ready.

The trip across the bay had been clear and crisp, but as we approached Isarna, a heavy fog cloaked the island. The ferry went through the dense fog for a few minutes, and then it began to clear.

As the fog cleared, I saw forms taking shape. I recognized the big carriage and the two massive Tralla horses—a silver mare called Agda and her nephew, a dapple steed named Eldil. It wasn’t until the ferry had almost docked that I noticed Dagny and Finn waiting for us.

Dagny waved and smiled on the dock, and Finn stood beside her, eying the Ten, who leaned over the railing and gawked at the island. I was so excited and surprised to see him that I shouted his name and ran straight off the boat down to him, and he hugged me tightly.

“What are you doing here?” I asked once he released me.

“After we talked on the phone a few days ago, I knew you needed all the help you could get,” Finn explained. “Queen Wendy is getting the Trylle army ready, and they should be following soon. But I didn’t want to leave you here alone for that long.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said, and then I turned to Dagny—who had been greeting Pan—and I pulled her into a hug. “Both of you.”

“Jem-Kruk, Sumi, Eliana, and Sunniva came with Finn too,” Dagny said. “But they’re back up at the Öhaus with Elof and Patrik.”

“Sunniva’s here?” I asked in surprise.

“She thought you might need her help,” Finn said.

“She’s an intense chick,” Dagny said, sounding impressed.

“We’re taking any help we can get,” Pan said.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met,” Finn said, turning to Pan.

“I’m Pan Soriano. I worked at the Inhemsk Project with Ulla.”

“He’s my boyfriend,” I added, and slipped my hand into Pan’s.

“Finally,” Dagny muttered under her breath.

Finn’s eyebrows raised. “Oh.” He was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook Pan’s hand. “I’m Finn Holmes, and Ulla has been like a daughter to me.”

“She’s told me all about you,” Pan said, giving him a nervous smile.

“Are you the commander?” Alfie interrupted.