Page 82 of Lhora
North? Along with the others, Lhora peered behind them at the advancing formation. “Coltrosstians!”
“I’m betting it’s the Sarpi and his men,” her father surmised.
“They’re going to try to box us in,” Lhora deduced. She caught Fallmin’s eye. “They’ll take no prisoners.”
“How do we take them on?” a voice inquired.
“We do this in two waves,” the Gur instructed, pulling his weapon. “Every swordsman present up front. Full phalanx. Be the first line of defense. Then, on my word, retreat. Break off to the sides and let the second line present itself.”
She looked over to find her father smiling at her. “We’re the second line?” she asked, grinning back.
He grunted. “We’re the second and last line, so make every swing count.”
“Count on it,” she promised, and for the first time in her life he opened himself up to her, enabling her to read not just his love for her, but also his fear.
37
Shurr
They formed a tight knot as the Coltrosstians converged on one side and the Tra’Mell directly opposite. Slowly, the enemy started circling them, gradually drawing the ring smaller and smaller, boxing them in as she’d suspected. They moved purposefully, knowing they had the upper hand. At least they believed they did.
Fallmin slipped behind his daughter until they were back-to-back. As they stood there, she turned her face and softly asked, “Has Mother responded?”
“She’s sending as many ships as she can.”
“But will they get here in time?”
“Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”
Lhora took a deep breath. “So all we have to do is stay alive long enough for them to get here.” She didn’t make it a question.
“I have a better idea.”
She cast him a quizzical side eye.
“Why don’t we just slay them all? That way we won’t have to worry about our backup arriving in time.”
Morda standing next to them chuckled but didn’t respond.
On her other side, Urjo nudged her arm. “You have the skill and the ability,” he told her. “You’re a shurr-lova, a master of her blade. Trust in yourself.”
Taking another deep breath to help steady her nerves, she nodded her thanks.
As the Tra’Mell closed the gap, their stench wafted over them like a thickening cloud. At times she felt like she wanted to retch, but she couldn’t tell if it was from the nauseating stink or her fear. She had to keep a brave face. Her father was depending on her. These men were counting on her. She had to prove herself the same way her mother had proven herself in battle, and Kai wasn’t shurr approved.
Lhora glanced at the men surrounding her. If she was going to be the next Esstika, she had to show these men she was capable. That she could hold her own. Even if they didn’t manage to exterminate all of the enemy, as long as they held on long enough for the ships to arrive, it would be enough. And afterwards the crewmen would spread the word about their Esstiss, letting all of Beinight know of either her bravery or her ineptitude.
I won’t let you down.She checked behind her.I’ll never let you down.
Fallmin nodded. He’d received and understood.
I won’t either.
Her head jerked up as the voice floated inside her. It was more of a bright light than a sound.
Duren?
Lhora!
