Ian’s foot slipped over a rock and splashed into the shallow salty water below. He righted himself and continued forward, ignoring the sloshing sensation of his now-wet boot.
His own desires had clearly blinded him to the foolishness of this plan. And now Robin—as well as nine other good men and women—were going to pay the price with their lives.
“It’s just up ahead,” Lane said, calling over his shoulder as he led the way.
Ian pushed himself to move faster. It had been too long since the explosion they had heard. Robin should have made it out by now.
Just as the rocky cliff face to his right gave way to a shadowy inlet, a small rowboat appeared.
Ian gasped for air as he slowed his run, relief washing over him.
Three people sat in the small boat, Brother Fletcher, Liam, and Sarah.
Ian looked past them, waiting for the second boat to appear from the mouth of the cave.
Liam and Fletcher used their oars to direct the small boat to the shore where Ian, Lane, and Jette stood.
The next boat appeared. Nele. Sol. Rigelt.
Ian stepped into the knee-deep water, grabbing on to the second boat as it crashed into the sand. Using the side of the boat to propel himself further into the water, Ian made for the passageway.
There.
The final boat turned around the corner. But...Ian could only make out two of the Lockwood men and Aden. Robin was not with them.
He turned frantically to the two boats behind him, looking at the bandits splashing out onto the shore, ensuring that he had not missed her.
No. Surely there was another boat. Surely Robin had not sacrificed her life for everyone else.
But that was precisely something she would do.
Ian turned back to face the third boat as the two Lockwood men rowed it toward him.
And then he saw her. Sitting in the back, hunched forward, blocked by Aden’s large body.
This was not good.
Ian splashed forward.
“She’s injured,” Aden called out.
Ian grabbed the side of the boat, swinging it toward the beach behind him.
Robin lifted her head. “I’m fine,” she said. Her voice was high and sounded forced. She slumped forward again.
Ian scanned her body for blood but did not see any major wounds. “Where?” he asked.
“Chaos magic,” Aden replied. He set the oars down and jumped out of the boat. “She was hit in the back as we rowed away.”
Robin sat up again, grabbing the side of the boat with a steely expression on her face.
“They are right behind us.” This time Robin’s voice was low, and she spat the words through gritted teeth.
“There were no more boats,” Aden said. “So we have a few minutes if they attempt to swim.”
Robin pushed herself up to stand. The boat wobbled beneath her.
Ian released his hold on the boat, grabbing on to Robin’s upper arm and waist as she swayed.
