Touch of Power. Maria Snyder V.

the forest. Tohon lives in the Sogra castle. I can’t do a thing surrounded by stone and dirt. Besides, I doubt Tohon cares enough for another to offer forty golds to save his or her life.”

      “You know him?” I asked.

      “Unfortunately. Why do you think he’s put a bounty on the healers?”

      “I figured he lost someone to the plague and held a grudge against us.”

      “No. He knows Ryne is sick and only a healer can save him. He wants the prince to die.”

      So did I, but I wouldn’t go to such extremes. “Why?”

      “Ryne is the only one who can stop Tohon.”

      CHAPTER 7

      “Stop Tohon from what?” I asked Kerrick.

      “From turning the Fifteen Realms into his own personal kingdom.”

      Not what I expected. “First, one man can’t change or stop anything. And second, why would Tohon’s attempt be bad? In case you missed it, our world has fallen apart. Peace throughout the Realms would be a step in the right direction.”

      Kerrick shook his head. “You’ve been in hiding so long, you’ve no idea what’s really going on. Tohon is not trying to help the plague survivors. He’s gathering them into an army so he can invade all those towns that have managed to reform. Towns like Jaxton. All so his army can grow. And if his forces encounter anyone who refuses to join, they kill him or her. Tohon is … mentally unstable, and for him to be king of all … would be a living nightmare.”

      “Why do you think only Ryne can stop him? Why not raise your own army?” I asked.

      “Because Ryne is a brilliant strategist, and has outsmarted Tohon before.”

      I huffed in disbelief. “Probably because Ryne and Tohon are both megalomaniacs.” I realized my mistake when Kerrick’s entire body stiffened. Expecting him to lose his temper, I stepped back.

      Instead, he said in a flat monotone, “We’re going to cross the Nine Mountains. I suggest you get some rest while you can.”

      I tried again. “We’ve been traveling for over twenty-five days and we’ve only reached Mengels. Do you really think we can get to the Nine Mountains?”

      Annoyance creased his brow. “Dodging mercs, keeping off the main roads and dragging along an unwilling healer has slowed us down. However, I’ve no doubt we will reach Prince Ryne.” He opened the door, then paused. “And don’t worry about anyone disturbing you. My men will take turns staying with you.”

      I bit back a sarcastic reply. After he left, I went to the window. I drew in the cool air and gauged the distance to the ground. Would the drainpipe hold my weight?

      Even if I escaped, how long would I be free before Kerrick tracked me down? Or before the mercs found me? If I turned myself in to Tohon, would he give me the forty golds? A ridiculous prospect, but interesting to contemplate nonetheless.

      “Avry?” Loren stood in the doorway. “What are you doing?”

      “Taking in the view.”

      “Uh-huh.”

      “What’s the matter, Loren? Afraid I’m going to jump out the window?”

      “Something like that.”

      I sighed. As much as I would love to part company with Kerrick, I was smart enough to know he was better than being dragged to Tohon by a group of mercenaries. I shuffled over to my bed, kicked off my boots and squirmed under the covers.

      Loren closed and locked the shutters before settling into a nearby chair. I enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the bed, but couldn’t fall asleep.

      “Why did we come to Mengels?” I asked Loren.

      “Do you want the ugly truth or for me to sum it up nice and neat?” His words were punctuated with anger.

      I propped up on my elbow and studied Loren’s expression. “Did you want Belen to die?”

      “No … yes … no.” He rubbed his face. “It wasn’t my decision.”

      “That’s right. It was mine and it was easy. I’m sorry it caused you such … trouble. And don’t expect me to promise not to do it again.”

      Loren laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of asking you that. Wouldn’t want you to make our lives easier or anything.”

      “You’d be bored.” I flopped back onto the pillows. “Although I’m not too sorry. I ended up in this lovely bed.”

      “You can thank Kerrick for that.”

      “Ugh. I’d rather not.”

      “He probably saved your life.”

      “Oh?”

      “He packed leaves and mud into the holes in your stomach and wrapped a bandage tight around your waist. We used Belen’s litter and ran here. Mom’s famous for her healing herbal remedies and she forced spoonful after spoonful down your throat.”

      “Should I thank Mom, then?”

      “Not funny.”

      Kerrick only worked so hard to save my life so I could save Ryne’s. He didn’t care about me. “You’re right, it isn’t.”

      “Get some sleep, Avry.”

      Despite Kerrick’s promise of a peaceful rest, a commotion outside my door woke me in the middle of the night. The lantern had been turned down low, and Quain had replaced Loren. He stood near the door with his dagger in hand.

      “What’s going on?” I asked.

      He shushed me, and cracked the door open. Mom’s frantic voice pierced the darkness. Pounding steps drummed past my room. Other voices joined Mom’s. Unable to wait any longer, I slid from the bed and crept beside Quain. He shot me a dark look before returning his attention to the hallway.

      “Well?” I whispered.

      Quain pointed his dagger at me. “Go back to bed.”

      After being on Kerrick’s bad side, Quain’s attempt to intimidate me didn’t work. It fact, it had the opposite effect. “No.”

      He jerked in surprise. Opening his mouth, he paused, then shut it.

      The noises from the hall died down. Then Kerrick pushed into my room with the others behind him. Their expressions told an interesting story. Belen concerned, Loren uneasy, Flea angry and Kerrick impassive as usual.

      “Since we’re all awake, we’ll leave now,” Kerrick said.

      Flea swallowed his squawk of protest when Kerrick glared at him.

      “Why’s Mom so upset?” I asked.

      “It’s not our concern,” Kerrick said. “Belen, do you have her cloak?”

      Belen nodded.

      “Belen, tell me,” I said.

      “Melina’s missing,” Flea answered. “Over the past six weeks, someone’s been kidnapping girls and disappearing into the woods. None of the town watch has been able to find them.” He stared at Kerrick.

      “It’s not our concern,” Kerrick repeated. “We don’t have time for this.”

      I rounded on him. “You’re a cold, heartless bastard.”

      He remained calm, but I sensed his fury simmering. It would soon boil. Too bad.

      “Of course it’s our concern! Mom took us in, she helped me. You can find them.”

      “In case you haven’t been paying attention, if Ryne is more important to me than Belen’s life, then he’s certainly