Page 53 of The Throne Seeker

“It starts at the river,” he replied, pointing toward the trees. “Then we row upstream to the firewall?—”

“The firewall?”

“A barricade of sorts—a high stone wall manned by soldiers with flaming arrows. We’ll need to make our way up and over it. You could try to go around, but that would take too long.Fighting your way over the wall is your best bet. Once we’re past it, we’ll reach the old ruins, where our main objective is to locate the sun relic.”

She peered into the distant woods. The river. Naturally, it would have to start with the river. The very same one she’d almost drowned in as a child—she still had the hidden scar on her scalp to prove it. She stowed away her fear—no time to be scared now.

Something was off as they drew nearer to the tent. There were only eight men in blue uniforms, including Zareb. Perhaps the others were still on their way? She scanned the area, but no one else wore her House colors.

Determined, she entered the tent, addressing her men. “Where are the others?”

The men exchanged hesitant glances. A large redheaded man to her left was the first to answer. “There’s been no one but us.”

Zareb nudged her shoulder. “How many men were you supposed to have?”

“Fourteen,” she answered.

“And how many did Dawnton have?”

“Twelve. Why?”

Zareb’s expression hardened as he motioned to the green tent a short distance away. “See for yourself.”

Her eyes clapped to the green tent, the forest green serpent flags fluttering in the breeze. Dawnton’s tent was more crowded than it should have been—no, that couldn’t be. One… two… She counted eighteen. Somehow overnight, Dawnton had accrued six more men—the exact amount she was short.

“He came to us and offered a bribe to switch over to his team,” the bearded redhead said, glaring at the serpent tent with them. “It was no small amount.”

She swore under her breath, reprimanding herself for not having thought of the possibility before. Of course Dawntonwould aim to target her—the one he deemed his easiest prey. The serpent symbol suited him and his House perfectly.

Dawnton, as if aware of her stare, locked eyes with her and flashed a smug smirk.

She resisted the temptation to lift her middle finger—the slimy git. The limited number of men posed a significant drawback, especially if they had to row upstream.

She sized up the men in front of her, thanking her lucky stars they all appeared strong and capable.

“Your loyalty is greatly appreciated,” she said, wishing she could offer a reward for their fealty. “I promise I won’t forget.”

A burly man with dark-brown hair and tattoos stepped forward. “If you become queen, a large number would support you. Many of us here have witnessed your miracle work in the healing tents.” The others behind him nodded in agreement.

Familiarity tugged at her the longer she looked at him. “Have we met before?”

“You helped tend to me when my arm was nearly severed.” He rolled up his sleeve, revealing his scarred arm as proof.

She recognized the wound at once. “Khan?”

“You remember?” Khan’s mouth split upward.

“Of course.” She scanned the healed handiwork with a critical eye. He had been among the first patients she’d assisted during her initial week in the healing tents. He’d arrived with a severely bleeding arm, nearly hacked clean off. It had taken her and another nurse half the day, but they managed to save it. Twice, she’d thought him gone. It was nothing short of a miracle they were able to save it—and him. “I’m glad to see you’ve managed to keep it attached.”

He gave a hearty laugh. “Just as I promised.” He gestured to the men behind him. “These are my friends. We are all with you.”

She gave them a grateful nod. “Thank you for your faith in me.”

Not a moment too soon, Tristan appeared by her side in his red uniform with the golden griffin on it. His grave face told her he had already been made aware of her predicament. “What happened?”

“The men say they were bribed,” she conveyed with a sour tone. “Is there anything to be done?”

He shot a scowl in Dawnton’s direction. “Maybe under different circumstances, but it seems the high council has made an exception this time since there is a fifth contestant. My father fought it, but he was outvoted.”