Page 120 of The Infernal Battalion

“Believe me,” Dobraev said, looking over his shoulder again, “I plan to.”

*

There were no tents, besides those the Haeta carried, and few blankets. Winter ended up stretched out on the hard ground beside Alex and Abraham, pressed tight together against the chill with a couple of ragged cloaks thrown across them. The watch fed the fires all night, keeping off the worst of the cold, and Winter woke feeling stiff and achy but otherwise much improved.

The trappers among the refugees had erected a few snares, and they had rabbits for breakfast, though not nearly enough to assuage Winter’s hunger. She chewed the last of the jerky from her own pack and told herself it was only two days to the city. We’ll manage.

As soon as it was light enough to see clearly, Dobraev busied himself getting the party back aboard the boats. Somehow this was much more difficult without the threat of the red-​eyes pushing everyone forward, and arguments broke out about who would get what space. Sergeant Gorchov had his hands full breaking up shoving matches. A few of the trappers and other folk used to the wilds quietly melted away, preferring to chance it in the forest rather than stay with the noisy crowd.

Winter watched, waiting for her turn. There had been no sign of the Beast attempting to cross the river, but most of the Murnskai soldiers were still standing guard, muskets at the ready. In the midst of the dead fires from last night’s camp, the small group of Haeta were checking their packs and preparing to depart. Glancing at them, Winter saw Vess looking back at her, and she suppressed a sigh. I can’t put it off forever.

As Winter came over, Vess stood apart from the others, her pack already on her back, a spear in hand. Including her, there were seventeen Haeta girls left, half of the group that had rescued Winter from the Beast’s pursuit. Yath was dead. Clever Yuil, Nish with her quick hands, soft-​spoken, wide-​eyed Boli—

Enough. Listing them won’t bring anyone back. Winter forced a smile.

“You’re going north?” she said.

Vess nodded. “I know this territory. It is not ours, but it is not far to Haeta land. And the tribes close to here will not be unfriendly.”

“Good.” Winter hesitated. “Dobraev offered to take you to the city. It might be safer. I don’t know if the red-​eyes will come over the river.”

“If they do, we will kill them,” Vess said matter-of-factly. “I will warn my tribe when we return.”

Winter nodded. There was an awkward silence. “I’m sorry,” she said, after a moment.

“For what?”

“For putting myself in charge. I... tried. But...”

“Winter.” Vess shook her head, struggling with herself. “Leti... would have wanted this. For everyone to escape together, however much it cost us. I told you that you had to live up to her expectations. I think you have done so.”

“Thank you.”

Vess turned to look over her warriors. “We should go. The farther I am from this place by nightfall, the more comfortable I will feel. Good luck to you.”

“And to you.”

“I hope your blessed friends find what they’re looking for.”

So do I, thought Winter. She gave a slight bow, which Vess returned awkwardly. At command in their own language, the Haeta formed up. A few of the girls waved to Winter as they headed north at an easy trot. Winter waved back, then turned to the river.

Alex and Abraham were waiting for her, some distance away from where the crowd around the ships was finally thinning.

“The Haeta are gone,” Winter said.

“I’d almost rather walk with them to the city,” Alex said. “At least then we’d have something to eat.”

“I don’t think you could convince them to go to the city,” Abraham said.

“I know.” Alex sighed, and gestured at the overcrowded ships. “I’m just not looking forward to that.”

“They’re safer this way,” Winter said. “I’m the one the Beast is following. The farther they are from me, the better.”

“It’s not your fault the thing hates you,” Alex said.

“It’s just a fact,” Winter said.

“You did the best you could,” Abraham said.