Page 103 (1/2)

They cliic tasks to implement

Unfortunately, Darien’s optiave the scenario an’s state if he really could pull off the impossible

Jade spent theinto shops to listen to her neighbors’ fears regarding the invading renegade de the perimeter of their small community

She attempted to calm the anxiety of her friends, but there was more to the deep-seated concern than the threat of attack She’d created upheaval and turmoil with her announce, but she was diplo frayed nerves To an extent, anyway

Her last stop was the tavern, where she sat with the regulars and assured theades, now that their whereabouts had been narrowed down

Michael asked, “What if the rogue deh one of the barricades?”

“Then Tanner and I will have to protect the villagers In fact, it would be a good idea for everyone to reeneral area, in their shops and here, to a target of themselves”

The severity of the predicained this was the sort of tension and terror Lisette and the elders had experienced each tio

The waiting, she decided, was the hardest part Having no idea what happened outside the border of Ryleigh and not being directly involved in the conflict created as ainst the people she’d sworn to protect

So when Tanner strutted in with a purposeful gait, she jumped from her chair and

met him in front of the fireplace

“Soh he was clearly trying to keep a reserved visage

“Bring your swords,” he said in a quiet voice

She collected both, and her jacket They left the tavern, but someone followed them She whirled around and found Michael hot on their heels

“Whatever it is,” he said, “you can probably use another sword”