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Even Scarlet’s untrained eye could see that the people’s movements were jerky and uncoordinated, and the people were a sad lot-- sector Still, it was heartening to know the people were heeding Cinder’s call

Scarlet had the gut-wrenching thought that they could be sending these people to their deaths, but she shook it off

A bewildered screa They’d been spotted

Scarlet and a hundred ed from the forest’s shadows The scream turned into a dozen more and the rows broke apart, pulled back But the people didn’t run Instead, as Scarlet and the mountainous soldiers cauise their terror behind feigned courage Or perhaps this was the truest courage there was

The people had probably expected so like this It would not be a surprise that Levana would punish them for this blatant show of rebellion But a hundred soldiers must have been far beyond their expectations

True to their word, the soldiers did not attack, just lumbered forward until they stood twenty paces fro herself fro," she said, "but we’re not here to hurt you We’re friends of Princess Selene’s And you hness, Princess Winter"

Winter’s head rolled against the shoulder of theher "It is a most profound pleasure tohalf-drunk Scarlet was proud of her for rips around their staffs, or spears, or whatever those were supposed to be

The beardedboth tough and anxious at once "Princess Winter is dead"

"No, she’s not," said Scarlet "The queen tried to have her killed, but she failed Everything she’s told you has been a lie"

Thetilamour," said Scarlet "It really is her" She hesitated, rolling her eyes "Not that I have any way to prove that But if anted to kill you, why bother with this charade? Look, we’re here to join you in your siege on Arteht on our behalf"

The man studied her "Who are you?"

"My naled to think of what to call herself The pilot? The alpha female?

"She’s an Earthen," someone said It annoyed her that they could tell so easily, like she was branded somehow

"I’m a friend of Princess Selene’s," she said "And I’o I was a prisoner of Queen Levana She took rand froestured at the soldiers "These men have chosen our side over Levana’s, just like you have, and they’re the best assets we’ve got Maybe they can help with your coht?"

Stro as he stepped up beside her "We said ould help and ill, but we’re not going to stand out here all night listening to negotiations with a bunch of lumberjacks If they don’t want us here, we’ll find a sector that does"

Scarlet snorted "Good luck"