Page 58 of War Queen
“Being closer to the Canyonlands only matters if you plan on retreating,” Jarik quipped back.
“No one is planning on retreating,” Yassar replied, his tone rising, “but if Japheth is with Rael, and it would be stupid if they weren’t, we all know this is a battle we cannot win.”
“Unless we split the army,” Adrian said, finally speaking.
Everyone stopped and stared at him.
Adrian’s eyes burned with a determination that reminded Mikael so much of the Bear.
“I can stay, with half our forces, and hold them long enough for you and Jarik to take the other half and reach the Canyonlands,” Adrian told him. “Once there, you’ll be able to defend the pass, and protect Kharav.”
“Defend Kharav with half an army?” Yassar asked.
“It’s better than no army,” Adrian said. “And their numbers will be less, too, by the time they reach you. We’ll launch a defensive here, and take as many as we can.”
Jarik snorted. “You think I’m going to let a Northman hold off our enemy while I retreat?”
“Not retreating,” Adrian countered. “Kharav needs you to defend her. I’m only buying you time to get there.”
Mikael stared at Adrian, someone he knew so well and yet a man who never ceased to surprise him. This was a solid plan—a plan that could save Kharav. A plan by a Northman.
“All who stay will be lost,” Mikael said.
Adrian gave a somber nod. “Yet if you reach the Canyonlands, all will be won.”
Perhaps. It was a gamble. But what other choice did they have? Mikael sighed and looked to Jarik, who nodded his reluctant agreement.
“I still have to think on it,” Mikael said. “Rest the men for now, and I’ll let you know my answer.”
The army slept under the last bit of warmth of the setting sun. It was a developed skill of a good warrior—to sleep anywhere, at any time. Mikael’s eyes found Adrian, who lay awake, fidgeting with something instead of sleeping—sometimes he was not a good warrior. As Mikael drew near, he saw there was a small parchment and pen in Adrian’s hands.
“What are you writing?” Mikael asked.
Adrian looked up, then back at the parchment. He hesitated, pulling his dry lips between his teeth, then said, “Instructions.”
Mikael dropped down to sit beside him. “For what?”
Adrian scribbled the last of his writing, then put down the pen and folded the piece of parchment before tucking it into a small pouch that hung around his neck under his armor. “For when I die. If my body is recovered, I don’t want to be sent to the pyre.”
The words struck him, and Mikael needed a moment. He looked out at the resting army, gathering his words. “You don’t want to be sent to your gods?” he asked finally.
Adrian looked down. “I want to see my brother again.”
Mikael could only sit in silence. The Kharavians would recover their dead, and honor Adrian’s wishes. They’d put him into the earth. Mikael would do it himself, just as he himself had laid the Bear to rest.
Adrian reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of polished wood. He handed it to Mikael. “Will you give this to my son?”
Mikael turned it over in his hand, and he immediately recognized the small metal plate set into the bottom with the image of a bear. A seal.
“It’s my family seal. I don’t know if Theisen will ever want to use it, but… I want him to have it.”
Curse this Northman. Mikael had become quite fond of him. He pursed his lips as he clutched the seal in his fist, then he held it for Adrian to take back. “You’ll give it to him yourself. You’re going to Kharav with Jarik.”
Adrian’s brows dipped. “What?” He leaned back and away. “No. I’m staying. It’s what the lord commander would expect.”
“Your salar orders you to go.”
“My queen would say different,” Adrian argued.
