It was just like Martin, Lia realized. He had planned the escape perfectly, knowing how many men he would need and how to avoid the places where he might be accosted. They had traveled on foot, which slowed their progress. She wondered whether they would have caught up to them if they had not slept during the night.

“Those soldiers discovered the smoke from our chimney,” the woman explained to Lia. She cuddled with her children, grateful to be alive when so many had been butchered on her doorstep. Her name was Aerona and she had introduced her two oldest daughters, Blodyn and Dilys, and her infant, Cowan. “They arrived without warning, we only had time to hide the children in the loft. I was so frightened. Edmon helped the little ones escape from the thatch, but the knights shoved their way in and saw him in the light. I was so fearful my little ones would be hurt. I speak very little of your language. You speak our tongue very well. What clan are you from?”

Lia evaded the question by explaining her remarks to the three earls. Nightfall was approaching and Aerona was anxious for the return of her husband.

Dieyre paced as she listened, absorbing the information. Lia noticed that Marciana glanced at him surreptitiously. All of their horses were saddled, in case they needed to escape quickly. Edmon stood watch.

Dieyre muttered under his breath. “The last thing Pry-Ree needs is another war. This makes no sense.”

“Perhaps not to us,” Colvin agreed, “but their motives are different than ours.”

“They are a rash and faithless people. They got what they wanted without Demont’s help. The heir of Pry-Ree has returned. Now the entire country will burn for it.”

“Why do you say that?” Edmon asked from the doorway, still watching the woods.

“Do not be stupid, York. I know that is difficult for you, but try and keep up.”

Lia bristled at the condescending attitude, but Colvin’s voice was patient. “She is a prize that many will fight over. I am sure a reward will be offered for her return. One large enough to tempt even Pry-rians to betray her. No matter where they keep her, someone will tell. Or someone will try and kill her.” He shook his head and sighed.

Lia felt a twinge of pity for him, but she had already decided on the best course of action. “That is our advantage,” she offered quietly. “They are not far ahead of us.” She rose and folded her arms. “I will bring her back. I speak Pry-rian. I can cross tomorrow morning after the boatman has rested and find her.”

Dieyre looked at her, startled. “There are eight soldiers. I know you are clever and brave, but you are still but a girl. Their leader is the master who trained you, if I remember it right. You will be caught.”

“I have to try,” Lia said.

Colvin looked up at her, eyes wide with amazement. “You would go?”

She looked him in the eye and nodded curtly.

“I was not going to ask that of you. I had already made up my mind to go.”

“What?” Dieyre said with a choking laugh. “You cannot be serious, Forshee!”

“Colvin, no!” Marciana said, her face suddenly flaming with worry. “It is a wild country. The Blight is there. I have heard stories. Serpents and other poisonous things. The land cannot be tamed.”

“Ciana is right,” Dieyre went on. “Brave, yes, but also the height of foolishness. Our kingdom subjugated theirs. They have not forgotten it, you know. When any of our knights fall into their hands, they are murdered cruelly. They hate us, Forshee. I am not sure that word is strong enough to describe their feelings. Even with your personal allegiance to Demont, they would see you as less than a dog in their home country.”

Lia was not aware of the hatred, but she agreed with Dieyre. “I will go. If there is any way I can bring her back, I will. Catching her now will be easier than it will be later. I can find her with the orb. I can do this alone.”

Colvin looked at her. “Yes, you can do it. I have no doubt. But I will go with you.”

She shook her head. “I cannot accept that.”

Dieyre watched them with fascination. “He is considering it. I cannot believe it! You are daft! This is as close to Pry-Ree as I would ever dare go without ten thousand soldiers at my back.”

Colvin rose to his feet, his face flushed with anger. “I know it means little to you, but I swore an oath to protect her. To guard her life with my own. It is my obligation. How can I go back and face Demont? I must do everything in my power to save her, use any means available to me. That is what loyalty means, Dieyre. Loyalty binds me. I must go after her. If Lia can find her, I can help free her.”