Page 59 of War Queen
“She would not have you die!”
“She’d have her husband live!”
Norah wouldn’t let either of them stay. And Kharav would fall.
“I’m staying,” Mikael said.
Adrian’s face held firm. “Then I’m staying with you.”
Mikael knew there was nothing he could say to convince him. This bear wouldn’t listen to him. Just like his brother.
It was almost night as Mikael watched Jarik prepare to depart. The warlord would lead half the army under the cover of darkness, getting as far as they could toward the Canyonlands before the sun rose. With luck, Rael would keep their attention fixed on Mikael and not notice them.
Mikael selected his best to send. He needed the confidence that they’d be able to defend Kharav, and Salara, if the need arose. He walked the legions of men, ensuring everything was set. He stopped when he reached Jarik.
“The army is ready, Salar,” the warlord said. “But you should be leading them. I should be the one staying.”
Mikael shook his head. “Cyrus won’t waste his time on a distraction. To hold him from Kharav, to buy you enough time, it must be me.”
The lines around the warlord’s eyes deepened. Reluctantly, Jarik nodded.
Mikael sighed. He wasn’t one for goodbyes, but words needed to be said. “Jarik. We haven’t always agreed, but I know you’ve always had Kharav’s best interest at heart.”
“After today,” Jarik said, “I can’t say you haven’t.” He paused. “I hope the North gods are with you, Salar.”
Mikael nodded. He did too.
“I’ll await word from the lord commander, and you have my promise—I’ll follow his order and ensure the others do the same.”
Mikael extended his arm, and Jarik grasped it.
“For Kharav,” Jarik said.
“For Kharav.”
Adrian stood beside Mikael. Jarik extended his hand, and Adrian clasped his arm in return.
“For Salar,” Jarik said.
The line between Adrian’s brow creased in confusion, and Jarik held him tighter. Adrian moved to pull back, but Jarik didn’t let him go. Three other warriors quickly stepped behind the young bear—two grabbed his arms, and one locked a grip around his shoulders.
“What—” Adrian struggled, but they held him.
Jarik pulled out a cord.
Adrian fought, but with three seasoned warriors holding him, there wasn’t anything he could do. Jarik bound his hands.
“What are you doing?” Adrian raged.
Mikael stepped in front of him. It didn’t give him pleasure to see Adrian this way, but it was for his own good. For Salara. And Soren.
Adrian’s face twisted in anger.
Mikael reached out and gripped his shoulder. “I’m sorry. You’ll have to wait a little longer to see your brother. Salara needs you alive.” He pulled the seal from his own pocket and pushed it into Adrian’s. “So does your son.”
Mikael nodded to Jarik and the warriors, and they pushed Adrian onto a horse and tied his hands to the saddle pommel.
“No, Salar—”
