the first light of dawn was barely visible. Was Brody back? She ran into his bedchamber and found him asleep in his bed in the guise of the Seer.
“Brody,” she whispered as her eyes filled with tears.
It was a bad dream, that was all. A bad dream caused by her fear of the upcoming battle.
Goddesses, please protect Brody. And myself. A tear ran down her cheek. It had to be a bad dream. For if it was foresight, the two of them might be doomed.
Chapter 21
Nevis was up at dawn to make sure the children practiced their roles in the upcoming attack on the guards. By midmorning, Ruth arrived with the two toddlers from the castle nursery. Then, Nevis, Elinor, and the two eldest Embraced girls escorted the younger children to the hidden cove by the sea cave, where Elinor’s boat was anchored.
Bettina set a basket of food in the rowboat, then turned to twelve-year-old Naomi and eleven-year-old Olana. “You’re in charge of the little ones now. They’ll look to you when they’re afraid.”
Naomi nodded. “We’ll be fine.”
“We’ll just be worrying about you and the others,” Olana added with tears in her eyes.
Catriona gave her a hug. “We’re the sneaky Spiders, remember? They’ll never see us coming.”
“We’ll take good care of them,” Tommy assured Nevis, then helped five-year-old Terrance into the rowboat along with Naomi.
As Tommy rowed toward the bigger boat, Sarah clung to Bettina’s skirt. “When will we see you again?”
“Soon.” Bettina kneeled down to give the six-year-old a hug. “Tommy and Lobby are going to take you for a short ride to the south side of the island. If all goes well, we’ll see you later tonight.”
After a few trips with the rowboat, all the young children were safely aboard, and Lobby and Tommy hauled up the anchor. The chef was still there, and without any wine to drink, he’d sobered up enough to be helpful.
As the Spiders walked back to the village, Nevis noticed that Elinor was clenching her hands.
He leaned close to whisper, “If you’re not comfortable doing this, you could stay in the village and—”
“Don’t say that.” She frowned at him. “How can I expect children to do something dangerous if I’m not willing to help?”
“You have a brave heart—I know that. But I really shouldn’t let you put yourself at risk. You’re a princess.”
She scoffed. “All the more reason I should display good leadership. Besides, I want to do this. Brody and I have to avenge our father and brother.”
He touched her fisted hand. “I can tell you’re nervous.”
“Of course I am.” She wrapped her fingers around his. “Don’t ye get nervous afore a battle?”
He nodded. “There is always some fear. That’s why I had everyone practice so much. You feel better when you know exactly what you’re supposed to do.”
She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad ye’re here.”
“I’m glad I had this time with you.” He entwined his fingers with hers. What would happen once the battle was over? he wondered. No doubt Elinor would want to return to Lessa Castle to be with her mother and brother.
As for himself, Nevis had already been named the next general of the Eberoni army. His father wanted to retire soon, and Leo was expecting him to take charge. That meant a life of living in army tents, something he was accustomed to, but not a proper life for a princess.
They walked in silence for a while. Bettina and Catriona were about twenty feet in front of them.
Suddenly, Bettina stopped and tilted her head as if she were listening. “Fourteen ships have set sail from the Isle of Moon. The birds are amazed by how fast they are traveling.”
“That’s because the king of Tourin can control the wind,” Nevis explained.
“He’s just like Darroc?” Catriona asked.
“Yes. And the king of Eberon has lightning power just like Alfred,” Nevis added.
Bettina and Catriona exchanged excited looks.
“Then we really would be accepted on the mainland,” Catriona said.
Bettina nodded. “I’m hoping we can reunite the little ones with their families.”
“Have you heard anything about the elfin navy?” Nevis asked. “Where are they?”
“They’re approaching from the east,” Bettina replied. “Six ships.”
“So there will be twenty ships in all,” Elinor concluded.
“With Rupert pushing them here, it won’t take long for them to arrive.” Nevis began walking at a brisk pace. “We need to get started.”
As soon as they returned to the village, Nevis gave the order for the Spiders to advance. There were a total of eight in their little army, including himself and