Dess’s breath sharpened. “I thought that was a myth.”
Oskaren didn’t seem amused, and that more than anything scared Thia. “It’s not,” she said quietly. “It is the only place they permit outsiders to pass.” She paused. “If they’re feeling generous, that is.”
Dess shook his head. “This is not a good idea.”
Oskaren cocked her head tauntingly. “You have a better one?”
Dess ignored her. “If they decide they aren’t feeling generous?”
Thran brushed a hand over the map. “If the stories are true, the Vale is bordered by impenetrable trees and steep cliffs. We’ll have no way to flee.”
“A boat on the river won’t save us,” Oskaren insisted. “They will cause the water to rise up and drown us before we’ve even realized what has happened.”
Dess’s fists clenched. “That won’t—”
“Hey,” Thia said, trying to stave off what she sensed was a brewing argument.
“But if the Vale—”
“It’s our only option.”
“Hey,” she tried again, a little louder.
“According to you.”
“Do youwantto die?”
“Enough!” she barked. Maybe it was because she was usually amiable, but they fell silent, surprised into obedience. She sighed, suddenly weary. “Look, Dess,” she started. “I know you know what you’re doing. But Oskaren is the only one that’s actually been to Xercae’s lair. We have to trust her on this.” She glanced at Oskaren, nervous to find the girl already watching her. “And she needs me alive with a witch’s head in my hands to get her vengeance. She has no reason to lead us wrong.”
Dess still seemed uncertain. “Fine,” he said, when Thia didn’t relent. He glared at Oskaren. “So where is the Vale then?”
Oskaren crossed her arms. “I’m not sensing any trust.”
“Don’t start,” Thia cautioned.
To her surprise, Thran backed up a step. “We have bigger concerns,” he said, voice wavering. “We’re being attacked.”
As Thia registered the words, the first arrow flew.
TWENTY-SEVEN
SHOUTS RANG OUT. AWALL OF BODIES JUST VISIBLE THROUGH THEtrees marched closer. Thia stared, shocked into immobility, unable to tear her eyes away as another arrow flew over her head.
She was dimly aware of the sound of her name. A pack was shoved into her hands. A tug on her arm sent her flying into motion as her senses rushed in.
Dess had taken her hand and was pulling her behind him deeper into the trees. He dropped it when he realized she was present again, and she lengthened her stride until they were side by side.
The arrows stopped. They slowed, glancing behind them. The woods were silent. To Thia’s relief, Mavrel appeared, settling on a branch just above them. When it became apparent that they were no longer in immediate danger, Thia spun.
“Very stealthy?” she demanded.
Dess shrugged. “They may have in fact seen me take the map and were already chasing me when I left town….”
She let out an unintelligible groan. “Of all the stupid—” Now was not the time. The damage was done. She forced her emotions back under control. “Where are the others?”
He shook his head. “They took off.” He saw the look on her face. “Don’t worry, we’ll find them. What do you think? Back to the camp?”
She bit her lip. “Too dangerous.” She could tell that didn’t deter him, but that didn’t mean it was a good idea. She whistled. “Mavrel!” The bird floated down from the tree and settled on the arm she raised to him. “Can you find the others for us? Oskaren and Thran?”
