Slowly, people wink away, but it’s not enough. There are hundreds of Thayarians left, terror written across the faces of those nearest me. Royal Guards who took a first round of citizens out of the valley return for more, but they barely make a dent. We’re far from Arberly, and the magic it takes an average magic user to aerstep that great a distance limits the numbers they can bring alongside them. The shadowy figures that line the perimeter return to their slow march inward, and I can tell they plan to circle us. I order the handful of Royal Guards near me who can’t aerstep to focus on the attackers and spread the word. They hesitate for only a moment, unsure whether to take orders from a foreign prince. I repeat the order, voice allowing no room for argument, and they obey.

Across the meadow, Laurel wars with herself, chewing on her lip in a gesture so subtle I’m the only person who would recognize it. But I’ve studied her face closely for months. I know she’s trying to determine what the right strategy is, running through endless possibilities in that brilliant mind of hers. Once again, with barely a thought, I’m by her side, wrapping her hand in mine. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she shuts it down to focus on the attack.

“Get Fionn and Silene,” I tell her, and she nods. They appear at our side, windswept but otherwise okay. “If the four of us go after the rebels and try to lure them into a fight away from here, the Royal Guards can use the distraction to get everyone to safety.” My voice is strong and confident. Laurel looks like she wants to protest, but I cut her off. “Even if they aren’t here for you, they won’t be able to resist the opportunity to attack you if you engage them in a fight, especially the strongest magic users. Some of the combat fighters might stay, but your guards can take them.”

Silene nods her agreement. “It’s a good plan. We’ll lure away as many as we can and then take them on in a fight once we’re isolated enough that there won’t be casualties.” Laurel’s face hardens.