Page 59 of The Great and Terrible

With an elegant twirl, she offered, “If you’d like me to recharge the compass, so you can bend him to your will, I’m happy to oblige for a second unnamed boon. Practically for free!”

Yeah. Right. “No, thank you.” Even though being able tocontrol the Guardian could serve my purpose. I’d erred before, granting the first promise to her so hastily. Had totally discounted my own strength and abilities in favor of relying on her. A mistake I wouldn’t make again.

“Your loss.” Iris sank slowly, giving me a chance to change my mind. When silence persisted, she sang, “I’ll leave you with a final warning. Death nips at your heels, my dear, and soon he will bite.”

“Is that a reference to the executioner?”

Now she smiled. “You’ll find out.” The top of her head submerged, and she faded from view, leaving only a rosy shimmer in the water behind.

Frustration flared, joining the emotional medley swirling in my chest. First Iris had arranged for me to acquire Jasher’s protective services, then she attempted to cast doubts on his motive. There must be a reason.

A commotion drew my gaze up. Nugget burst from a thicket, sprinting straight for me. His eyes flashed red as sharp tusks extended from the end of his bloodstained snout. Gasping, ring practically on fire, I jumped to my feet.

Run!His switch must have flipped. I planted my heels, refusing to believe the worst of my pet. We’d taken care of each other for days. Now he raced to me for comfort. I’d stake my life on it.

Behind me, pounding footsteps sounded. “Moriah!” Jasher shouted.

Nugget leaped and crashed into me, taking me to the ground. A heartbeat after landing, a spear whooshed through the air and embedded in the dirt mere inches from my head. My eyes widened. If I’d been standing, I would’ve died. “You saved me.”

The rabdog bounded off.

Arrows whooshed next, but they flew over me, aimed at the executioner. "Jasher!”

He skidded to my side and hauled me to my feet. “Let’sgo.” Capturing my hand with his, he hurried us to the camp. All around, spears and arrows peppered the ground.

Jasher grabbed his pack with his free hand. Patch and Leona had already bolted. We easily caught up with them, following Nugget, who darted in front, taking the lead. Pounding hooves created an ominous soundtrack behind us as our fivesome entered the woods.

“Mayor,” Jasher snapped, yanking her aside. Whoosh! An arrow embedded in his shoulder. He merely grunted, maintaining his speed, while I cried out with horror, anger, and concern. He’d taken the missile in Leona’s stead, and I wanted him doctored NOW.

Death nips at your heels…

“You won’t escape us, enforcer,” an unfamiliar voice bellowed. “Your only other option is the poppies.”

Cheers met his proclamation.

Heart slamming against my ribs, I cast a glance over my shoulder. At least twenty men and women chased us. They were decked in armor, each laden with a wide arsenal of weapons and riding crimson-colored horses. The riders flashed in and out of sight.

“Who—what—are they?” I asked between panting breaths. Running faster, faster still. “They keep disappearing!”

“Rebels at war with the Guardian.” Jasher gritted out the words. “Their armor is…special.”

“In books and movies, rebels are usually heroes.” A branch slapped my cheek. Others cut my arms. Stings erupted all over my body.

“I don’t know what movies are, but if given a chance, these rebels will chop me up and mail the pieces to the Guardian.” Zero emotion accompanied Jasher’s admission.

My instincts locked on flight. “Faster!”

“Give us the girl,” the same man shouted, “and we might let you go.”

Had they heard of the Guardian’s prize, and hoped to cash in?

As Jasher maneuvered me along the uneven terrain, zigging and zagging, he slammed his palm against certain tree trunks. An action I didn’t understand.

Up ahead, Nugget scaled a tree with unnatural grace and speed. He crouched atop a limb, peering down at the action, safe, and I nearly sobbed with relief when we passed him. Panting, I threw another glance over my shoulder. The soldiers rode hard, gaining ground.

The flashing man in the lead neared my pet’s tree, not that he knew it. He swiped out his arm, intending to snag Leona’s long mane, but the rabdog leaped, clamping onto the would-be assailant’s arm and dragging him down.

The rebel died with a broken scream, and dread coated my heaving lungs. I watched, guided by Jasher. The savagery! And now, the switch had definitely flipped.

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