Page 117 of An Honored Vow

“He underestimates us.” I swallowed, knowing what had to be done. “We’ll split into four units.” I drained a skin of spelled water and watched as it broke into tiny droplets that clung around everyone’s mouth and ears. The remaining droplets swirled through the air, searching for their keepers.

Syrra crossed her arms, considering the plan. “Two teams to pull Halflings out and two to fight?”

I shook my head. “We’ll spare one to help them. Dynara can try to portal as many as she can. But the Halflings will have to fight for their own freedom today.”

A deep horn sounded over the sea. Dynara opened a portal so we could see Myrrah through the veil of mist.

“Three dozen ships total.” She shouted like we were leagues away instead of a few feet. “All armed and fully manned.”

My stomach hardened. That was more than we assumed Damien had left. “Signal if you need help.”

Crison grinned. “My flock can take a third on its own.”

“And we have reinforcements.” She wheeled backward so we could see the two dozen ships sailing behind her. Each one sailing with royal sails repainted in the colors of the Fractured Isles.

“They came to fight.” Gerarda’s face flushed. “There were enough of them left to come to fight.” El squeezed her shoulder.

“Remember,” I said to Myrrah. “Lead as many as you can into the channel and Feron will take care of the rest.”

She tilted her head with a childish grin on her face. “After I try Nikolai’s canons.”

I reached through the portal and touched the white pin around Myrrah’s neck. “Fight well today, dear friend.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “And you, Keera. So we may never fight again.”

Dynara closed the portal and I turned to Syrra and Elaran. “It’s time.”

Elaran nodded, dressed in all black like a royal soldier. She transformed into the pimply face of the Shield, and Gerarda pinned the forged fastener around her neck. Elaran studied her new body. “I was so angry when Hildegard told me I’d never be a member of the Arsenal. But”—she scratched her throat—“the uniform itches.”

Gerarda and I gave each other a knowing look.

Syrra wrapped a thick cloak around her shoulders and pulled on the hood. In a crowd, she would look like a Mortal man preparing to fight. She pulled me into a tight embrace. “It is an honor to fight alongside you, Keera Waateyith’thir. And to do so clean of both our vices.” She leaned back with tears in her eyes.

There was a hard determination in them that I didn’t like. It was the same look Hildegard had given me when she was dragged in front of Damien’s throne.

“The honor is mine, good friend.” I nodded at the portal Dynara opened. “Take as many of them as you can.”

Syrra nodded and stepped into the city of Koratha.

Dynara closed the portal and opened another for me, sweat already pooling at her brow. I gave her a concerned look, but she shook her head. “You have too much to worry about to fret over me.”

I stepped through and stood beside Feron.

I assessed our ranks from his nest behind them. “Dynara, get your team ready and wait for Syrra’s sign.”

She nodded and disappeared. My stomach hardened trying to ignore the question if that would be the last time I saw my friend. The last time I saw any of them.

“What signal are we waiting for?” Feron mused, his voice calm and collected, as if the entire future of his people would not be decided today.

An ear-splitting shriek tore through the sky as one of theshirakstationed on the walls burst into shadowy pieces. “That,” I answered Feron, pointing to Syrra’s glowing sword.

I took out my spyglass. The Arsenal and the surviving pendants were stationed along the watch platform of the city wall. Their pendants pulsed as they tried to keep their control of theshirakin check.

It didn’t work.

Five of the beasts opened their wings and propelled themselves into the air. The field of Halflings broke out into terrified screams.

I grabbed Feron’s shoulder. “Channel them to one portal!”

---