"Reese!" I shouted. "They're here—outside the walls. We need to go, now."
Reese nodded and turned his molten gaze onto the guards. "Do as she says," he barked.
The two older men bowed and scrambled away, but the young man lingered. "I will do what I can, my lord. But some will stay."
"I know." Reese's voice softened. "Spread the word, then form up at the northern gate."
I watched the young man bow and hurry away, blue tabard fading into darkness.
Saints, I hoped we got them out in time.
Reese flicked his reins and motioned for me to follow. I pulled my elk alongside his mare—a little too close; the mare stumbled away from the antlers.
"What are we going to do?" I gasped. Too much fear inundated my voice—I couldn't hide it.
Reese took my hand and spoke in a warm, soothing tone. "Calm down. Killian reported activity days before they attacked. We might still have time."
My heart hammered against my chest, painfully. Catching my breath, I nodded.
A spotted doe cantered toward us, carrying two riders.
I'd abandoned Bláth and Ferris the moment I'd glimpsed the dragon. The Solheart woman had barked at me to tell Reese, and I hadn't needed further encouragement.
Bláth leaned around Ferris. "We should douse the lights and create a bonfire south of town. It'll draw their attention."
"It would," Reese agreed. "But it'll take too much time."
"Not when we have mages at our disposal. Ferris can take care of the lanterns, and I can ignite our beacons."
"No," Reese said firmly. "You should leave with the villagers. Guide them to Tsuyan."
"Oh, good idea," Bláth said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "A woman can guide peasants to the city walls; they'll surely let us in if I ask nicely."
"They'll be safer camped outside Tsuyan's walls than here," Reese said. "You're a Solheart. Bat your eyelashes at the gate guards."
"Are you trying to send me away to protect me, loverboy?"
Reese's jaw clenched. Ferris broke out into a grin and tried to catch my eye.
Oh. It struck us at the same time.
The air was awkward between these two because they were ex-lovers.
Reese sighed. "You aren't going to listen to me, are you?"
"No," Bláth said.
"Fine." He turned to Ferris. "Douse every fire, every candle."
"Anything for you, Lord Paragon," Ferris said in a sing-song tone. He glanced between the Solhearts, eyebrows waggling, before tugging his elk's reins.
Bláth slid off its back and strode in the other direction. "Where should I put our decoy? South and west of the northern gate?" She called over her shoulder.
"Where else?" Reese called back. He released my hand. "Come on."
I glanced over my shoulder, watching Bláth's swishing hips turn the corner.
Something twisted in my gut. Not fear, not nerves.
