Page 72 of Truth's Blade

“When you get past the clearing, just climb straight over the fence as you step off the path onto the road, and follow it until you get to the gate. Nena is the farmer who owns the land. I don’t think she’s dangerous to you.”

“Gus was ordered to stay with her for a few days before he goes back to the inn to spy on whoever comes from Illoa to look for the children,” Melodie said. “He’s probably gotten his things from the inn and moved in there by now. And he isn’t compliant any more.”

“Did Marchant give him anything else magical to use?” Theo asked.

She shook her head. “Not that I saw. I think he was supposed to watch and listen, then report back. But he is dangerous and he will run to Marchant if he sees you.”

“That might not matter, but if he does approach you, be wary, and if you have to deal with him, so be it.” Theo felt nothing for the man who had sold his soul to Marchant.

“The town guards, or some of them, are in Marchant’s pocket as well. I’d avoid town altogether.” Melodie worried her bottom lip as she spoke.

“Agreed. Marchant has our horses and our packs, though.” Gallain rubbed the back of his neck, as if still discomforted by that.

“I’ll get the horses he took and the packs as part of the exchange,” Melodie said. “We found Caro’s horse and it’s at the inn, along with our own, so one of you will need to go get them.”

Caro gave a nod. “And then we’ll wait for you just outside town.”

“No.” Theo was shaking his head, and Melodie was doing the same. “Go. Just go as fast as you can with the children. There will be an army coming to meet you. Wait until the children are completely safe before you come back.”

All of them looked like they wanted to argue.

“This is not a discussion. I am in charge, and those are my orders.” Theo held each one of his team’s gaze before moving on to the next.

All of them lowered their eyes and nodded.

“It feels like we’re running away, like cowards. Saving ourselves with your sacrifice.” Viviane spoke softly, and her friends murmured their agreement.

“You aren’t soldiers yet,” Theo pulled Vivi into a hug. “You are not responsible for anything that happened here. And the best way you can help me is by following orders and getting to safety. The thing that has held me back is worrying about all of you. Knowing you are far from Marchant, and he cannot hold your wellbeing over me, is all that I need.”

She tightened the hug, and he ran a hand over her braided hair.

“Trust me. Trust me and Melodie to end this.”

“I’m back, little girl.” Marchant’s voice was sing song. Theo wondered if he was spiraling into some kind of madness. His behavior was strange, to say the least.

He didn’t like the thought, because at least a sane man was predictable.

“I’m here, old man.” Melodie walked to the door. “What’s your proposal?”

Gallain exchanged a look with Theo at her sarcasm, and Theo could see the appreciation in the soldier’s eyes.

It was a reflection of his own.

“Apologies for the delay, I went to fetch a rope. I’ll throw it toward the door. You put your hands through the loops I’ve already made in the rope and one of the soldiers can tighten them.”

“And why would I do this?” Melodie asked.

“Because once you do, I’ll move one of the stones so that your friends can get out. Once they are all out, I’ll let you watch them run for the forest, and then you come to the gap and let me grab the rope.”

“Afraid I’ll throw the compliance net on you otherwise?” Melodie scoffed.

He paused. “Yes. And if you give it to one of your friends, I’ll notice, and there will be consequences.”

“He’s delayed until dusk so he can see any magical items we may have.” Jacinta spoke softly. “He thinks he’s been crafty.”

“Fine.” Melodie pushed the door open a little wider. “But you’ll have their packs and horses brought, as well. And throw the packs at the door along with the rope, so I can check you haven’t secreted any nasty surprises inside.”

“You’d be able to tell, would you?” Marchant asked.

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