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‘That about sums it up, sir.’

‘Have we received word from Osiris? Or Aveum’s forces?’ he asked, scanning the war camp once more before his eyes fell back to the Veil. It was a gruesome sight to behold. The tear was like a gaping wound in the wall, bleeding black shadow into the midrealms.

‘Queen Reyna sent word that they’re on their way,’ King Leiko answered. ‘We’ve not heard from Osiris.’

Wilder exchanged a worried glance with Torj. It was unlike Osiris to go without communication, but with what both Warswords had seen on the road, who knew what he and the rest of the Thezmarrian forces had faced?

Scanning the surrounding lands, Wilder suppressed the urge to reach for his flask. There was no doubt in his mind that the shadow forces were there, but there was no sign of an impending attack yet.

‘What are they waiting for?’ he murmured.

‘Can’t say I’m all too keen to find out,’ Torj replied under his breath.

Wilder made a noise of agreement.

‘Your Majesty?’ Thea’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Everyone turned to her, but she didn’t falter under their scrutiny. Instead, she stood tall, her hand resting on the hilt of Malik’s dagger at her belt.

‘Have any refugees come this way?’ she asked. ‘There was an attack on a small village to the south-west of here and it looked like they might have sought help —’

‘Yes, actually.’ King Leiko was frowning. ‘They have set up camp in the northernmost village of Notos. We have given them as much aid as we could manage, but our resources are currently stretched…’

Thea was already gripping Cal’s shoulders. ‘You hear that? They’re safe!’

‘You know them, lad?’ King Leiko addressed Cal now.

Cal looked stunned. Thea had to nudge him before he remembered to speak. ‘Yes, Your Grace… It’s where my family is from. We came across the ruins of their village on the way here.’

The king nodded. ‘Then you have my leave to visit them.’

Cal bowed. ‘Thank you, sire.’

The king had started moving away, his mind clearly elsewhere. Cal turned to Torj, but the Warsword was already waving him on. ‘Go,’ he said simply.

And Cal bolted away, leaving Thea and Kipp staring after him.

‘Should we —’

Torj shook his head. ‘Let him find them first.’

The king had started back towards the castle, but his commander lingered.

‘His Majesty has had rooms prepared for you. He knows you must be weary from your travels. A light supper will be served after you’ve had time to bathe.’ He gave Torj’s filthy appearance a pointed look before riding off after the King of Tver.

Torj snorted, pulling a clump of dirt from his gold hair. ‘Not all of us had the chance to frolic in the hot springs.’

‘Careful, Bear Slayer,’ Thea warned. ‘You’re starting to sound sulky.’

Despite the weight of the midrealms on his shoulders, Wilder bit back a chuckle.

But his fellow Warsword gave a heavy sigh. ‘I’ve got wraith guts and muck in places I didn’t even know existed, Thea. You’d be sulking too.’

‘Charming,’ Wren scoffed, bringing her horse up beside her sister’s.

Torj gave her a wink, his ice-blue eyes bright. ‘Glad you think so, Highness.’

Wren stared daggers at him. It was enough to get Wilder moving back towards the castle, where at least a hot meal was waiting, and perhaps a bed to share with Thea.