I also wondered if I’d made the right decision by not evacuating the crater.
Zandyr had offered to house the civilians from Solkar’s Reach as well, but there would have been no room for all of them in the already suffocating Capital. I wasn’t about to make my mountain people sleep on boats for gods-knew how long when I truly believed they were safer in the crater.
That also meant Allie wouldn’t be there alone.
Trapped.
Protected.
The line was too fine for my mortal understanding. But she was safe, and that’s all that–
A new scent seared my senses.
Death.
Blood.
I loosened the hold on the reins and let the steed trot forward once more, like he’d been itching to all day, and narrowed my eyes at the small roofs jutting out in the distance.
The wooden shingles and eaves were intact.
No screams or screeches echoed in the stillness.
But the walls–the walls had dark splatters all over them.
“Stop the army,” I hissed at Zandyr, stomach twisting. “The warriors can’t see this.”
Chapter 40
Allie
“No. Half of the warriors come with us, half stay in the city, and that’s final.” I marched down the steps, counting the arrows in my quiver. Forty-seven. Hopefully forty-seven efficient strikes.
I didn’t kid myself that they’d remain untouched. I knew we’d find danger at the edge of the crater–even if I seemed to be the only one who believed it.
The crown hadn’t accepted me.
The crater had trapped me.
But I’d promised to protect this city. Any doubts had to burn away under the strain of duty, whether I was ready for it or not.
“Are the sleds ready?” I asked.
“Yes. But those are too many warriors to drag into troll territory based on a hunch.” Vylkor stalked after me, complaining as he’d done for the past half hour since I’d sounded the alarm. “The lookouts didn’t report anything.”
This was Evie’s first wedding all over again, my instincts dismissed and lessened. Only this time, I knew how to not relent.
“Then investigate your lookouts,” I said. “Or train them better.”
“But–”
I whirled around. “I am done arguing with you. Strap your sword to your back. Or stay in the city and guard it. But don’t get in my way.”
The veins on his forehead rose. “I have more experience in Solkar’s Reach than you. I’d know when an attack takes place.”
“Vylkor, I pray you’re right. Truly.” I turned around, racing toward the exit. “If I’m wrong, I’ll make sure to apologize in the town square, so everyone will know you tried to warn me. Now move.”
I pushed the doors open, only to be greeted by a ruckus of confused warriors and whining wolves.
