Harlan pulled free of his grip. ‘You need to find the warden and tell him about the boats along the east wall.’
‘I will—’
‘Now. Leave me here. Go.’
Roul flinched when an arrow hit the water beside them.
‘You’ve got a sword and two working arms,’ Harlan said. ‘If you make yourself known to our men, they’ll get you into the merchant borough.’ When Roul hesitated, he added, ‘That’s an order, Thornton.’
‘I can’t leave you here to bleed out.’
‘You can if I order you to.’ When Roul still did not move, Harlan said, ‘I will kill you myself if you don’t start following orders.’
Roul hesitated, then turned towards the beach.
‘And for the love of God, draw your sword,’ Harlan said. ‘You’re going to need it.’
Chapter 22
Pounding on the shop door made Blake jump in her chair. She looked over at her mother just as a defender flew past the window.
‘Lock all doors and remain inside,’ he shouted.
Lyndal rushed into the room. ‘What on earth is going on?’
The three women met at the window and looked down the street. They could hear fighting.
‘Who’s brawling?’ Lyndal asked, sticking her head out of the window to see better.
Blake walked over to the door and tugged it open, ignoring the defender’s instructions. Eda caught the bell as she entered the room. Blake gave her an impressed look before stepping outside.
‘He told us to stay inside and lock the door,’ Candace called after her.
Blake stilled and listened. It was not the sound of a few men fighting but hundreds.
‘Who are they fighting?’ Lyndal asked from the safety of the doorway.
Before Blake could respond, Thea emerged from her house, clutching her husband’s sword. Her eyes met Blake’s. ‘Sea warriors,’ she said with a resigned breath before stepping off the veranda.
‘Where are you going?’ Blake called out.
‘Birtle’s in the tavern,’ Thea said over her shoulder. ‘He’ll be first to die if I don’t do something.’
The sight of a middle-aged woman strolling off to face sea warriors was a reminder that merchant women did what they needed to in order to survive and protect the people they love. They did not have the luxury of hiding. They were soldiers in their own way. Not out of choice but necessity.
Eda exited the shop, bow in hand and quiver on her back, and stepped down onto the street.
Blake walked to the end of the veranda. ‘Where on earth do you think you’re going?’
‘Eda!’ Candace called from the door. ‘Get back here at once.’
Eda slung her bow over her shoulder and walked backwards, signing,Better to stop them at the gate than wait for them to reach us.
‘That is what the defenders are doing,’ Candace replied.
‘I’m locking the door,’ Lyndal said, throwing her hands up. ‘With or without you inside.’
Blake closed her eyes. ‘Sea warriors don’t care about locks.’ Eda was right. If they reached the shops, it would be too late. ‘Wait. I’m coming with you.’
