demonstrated with two different blades, dragging them along a rough surface. The liquid metal kept its sharp edge. Impressive—reminding me my stiletto was also made from the same metal. I hadn’t had to sharpen it yet, but then again, I hadn’t used it that much either.
“Why doesn’t it dull?” I asked.
He floundered for a second. “Well, it’s unique to all the Fifteen Realms. It’s also very flexible, lightweight and near impossible to break.”
In other words, he didn’t know. “Do you have any armor made with liquid metal?”
“That would be useful, especially in these trying times. However, the supply is limited. The mines have been shut down since the plague. I’ve only a few knives left.”
That last bit sounded like a sales ploy. But in the end, I bought a small dagger with a boot sheath so I could hide the weapon.
On my way back to camp, I spotted Belen leaving Jael’s tent. No mistaking the bear of a man who towered over everyone. The sudden desire to run up and hug him pulsed in my veins. Instead, I changed course so I’d avoid passing him.
Belen’s return created problems for me. After a couple days, the camp gossip must have informed him about the silent training. He showed up during one of our sessions, no doubt curious.
At first, he watched or, rather, listened to the exercise. None of the men learning the technique heard his near soundless entrance into the woods, which, considering his size, always impressed me. I knew right away. After traveling with him for three months, I could detect his subtle movements.
He waited until after we had finished for the day to appear as if by magic from a clump of bushes. Two members of the Odd Squad cried out in surprise. I used the distraction to fade into the forest.
“Not bad, gentlemen,” Belen said in his friendly baritone.
“You need more practice, but not bad at all.”
They stood a little straighter at the compliment.
Belen glanced around. “So where’s this Sergeant Irina that I’ve been hearing about?”
I kept still, hoping no one saw where I’d disappeared. The men exchanged looks as a murmur rippled through the two squads.
Ursan came to my rescue. “She’s out on a special assignment. Can I help you?”
“No need, Sergeant,” Belen said. “Just wanted to compare notes. When she returns, can you tell her I’d like to talk?”
“I’ll let her know. Will you be around for a while or are you heading out soon?” Ursan asked.
Standing next to Belen, Ursan didn’t appear to be as tall or as muscular. Belen had a few inches on Ursan and was thicker. Lines of fatigue creased Belen’s face, and he sported a few cuts and bruises. He rubbed his big hand over the black stubble on his jaw. His hair had also grown. The ends brushed the collar of his shirt.
“I’m staying for a couple more days,” Belen said.
“Another patrol?”
“No. It’s personal, Sergeant. I need to find my friends. They’ve been gone too long.”
Belen hid his emotions, but I knew Poppa Bear must be beside himself with worry over us. He’d protected Kerrick since childhood. It had to be hard not knowing what had happened while we’d been in Sogra, rescuing Ryne from Tohon.
Then it hit me. Belen needed to be told Ryne and the others were safe. Otherwise, he’d search Sogra and Vyg for us. And he’d get caught and killed.
How could I give him this information without revealing myself? I considered my options as Ursan, Belen and the others left the forest, returning to the camp. I could send him an anonymous note, or start a rumor. But would he believe them? It was worth a try. If he decided to leave regardless, I would stop him.
After waiting a few more minutes, I headed back. When I reached my tent, Ursan stepped from the shadows.
“That’s the third time I’ve covered for you,” he said. “You owe me some answers.”
I glanced at his hands, checking for weapons. None. Relaxing slightly, I crossed my arms. “For what questions?”
“Why did you hide from Belen?”
“Didn’t Lieutenant Thea tell you?” I couldn’t keep the surprise from my voice.
“She doesn’t confide everything.”
Interesting. I’d thought he was her go-to guy for advice. Was this a test? “I had a run-in with Belen a few years ago and would like to avoid another encounter.”
“But he knows your name.” Understanding lit his expression. “You used another name then.”
I gave him a tight smile.
“I’m tired of guessing. Tell me who you are. You owe me,” he said.
That was the second time he’d said I owed him, and this time it pissed me off. “Two squads disappeared without a trace in sector five, Sergeant. Yet you and all your jumping jacks returned alive and well from that very sector. I’d say we’re even.”
He opened his mouth, but I said, “Think about it.”
“I have. It was too easy getting there and back. It could have been all a ploy to get us to trust you.”
“And look at how well it worked.” I didn’t bother to suppress my sarcasm. I continued before he could reply. “Are you going to arrest me?”
Ursan frowned but didn’t reply.
I pushed past him and entered my tent. Not much I could do if he decided to expose me. I had bigger worries. Like how I would stop Belen from leaving the camp.
Except a couple days later, my problem had been solved. A messenger on horseback arrived, announcing that Prince Ryne’s troops would be here in about a week. The gossip zipped through the camp, igniting a variety of emotions.
A majority thought we didn’t need Prince Ryne and his elite troops, others welcomed the additional soldiers, while two of us—me and, I was sure, Belen—were ecstatic to hear the news.
Ten days later, Ryne rode into camp. He sat on a huge chestnut-colored horse. Quain and Loren rode just behind him on two piebald mares. They led a small battalion.
I scanned every single one of those faces—approximately four hundred soldiers. My heart thumped up my throat. Just to be certain, I looked a second time, but the results were the same.
Kerrick wasn’t among them.
KERRICK
“No. Absolutely not. You can’t have them,” Izak said.
Kerrick kept his temper … barely. “I’m not asking for your permission—”
“Good,
