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"Not ten er said he barely escaped Gelyn alive to deliver this"

"Did you read it?"

"Yes" By Mott’s expression, I knew the neasn’t good "Roden’s ed the Gelynian ar our shared border Then Roden and his men set up traps that stopped most of the first wave of Gelynian soldiers that tried to coh" Mott’s frown deepened "He sent this note in anticipation of a second wave of soldiers The rest are on their way"

That could be hundreds of the enemy, or even thousands "Does he say how hteen out of forty My heart ached at the thought of sothe finest warriors Carthya had to offer, the odds against them were terrible It was likely that by now, none of them were still alive

Mott handedreinforcements to join him He believes it’s the only way they’ll succeed"

I scanned his note forand handwriting were poor, but in this case I was grateful for the errors It proved that this note had come directly from his hand "The captain asks o into battle against thousands of Gelynians than to the ca held?"

"No I’d rather you hid yourself in a closet until this is over But I know from experience that even with our best locks, we couldn’t keep you there" There was so in his voice, but after a ain "They could only have one reason to take Ien, because they knew you would come for her Jaron, whatever they have planned, it will be awful So if it o to Gelyn"

Fortunately, ue, just for the sake of pride But I only said, "All right, Mott You win this time, but don’t let it beco, I added, "Pro other than to do my best" Nervously, he licked his lips "And you prorim smile to my face "But one way or another, ill see this war to an end We iment of two hundred men left Drylliad for the northern border of Gelyn I wished I could’ve sent more, but otherarent was sent to oversee the hty waters of Falstan Lake, while the rest reth Carthya had was already being divided, and our resources were taxed to their lih I stood tall and proud as I watched them leave, in my heart, I still doubted that we had any chance of survival

Once they had gone, I joined Tobias, Amarinda, and Fink in the courtyard My plan was to travel with them to the border of Avenia, to ensure their safety at least that far Then I would take ave them clearance until the princess was safe in her ho loaded with clothing, blankets, and food Tobias cocked his head toward the crates and said, "At least on’t be cold or hungry on this journey"

A ed atthe food Today’s recipes included an extra ingredient of Ayagall" His groans told all was a weed that grew plentifully near the orphanage where I’d lived, and was the source of rew dull Even s Suddenly, the mystery of why Mrs Turbeldy hated me so much was solved

Despite her atteled "Avenia thinks they’re battling a king I doubt they’re prepared to fight a boy who thinks childish pranks are practical strategies for war"

"Aren’t they?" I said, giving a wink and a se was loaded, Amarinda, Fink, Tobias, and I crowded inside It wouldn’t be the most comfortable trip, but if they were stopped at the border, this had to look like a transport wagon, unfit for passengers and certainly unfit for the future queen of the land Amarinda and I sat beside each other on a se, while Fink and Tobias took the floor across fro with Tobias, who told hiates of Drylliad were behind us I wasn’t sure why he bothered Keeping Fink fro back the sea He talked whenever he was nervous, or excited, or bored, or for thatto listen and just stared forward His anxiety was evident in his every expression, every reorse with each mile