He turns back, tilting his head to the side. “Yes.”
“You didn’t tell me how friendly the bounty hunter’s daughter is.” Bernard smirks as he saunters closer. I lift my bow and draw another arrow. I’m down to my last three. The two I wasted on Bernard are useless because he destroyed them in the effort to free himself. He sees me pulling the arrow to the bow and pauses.
“Dangerous words for almost having had my arrow in your back,” I tell him. “Perhaps instead of jesting, you should just get to business.”
“Britt,” Cohen warns.
My nostrils flare in irritation. I lower my bow and slide the arrow back into the quiver. Bernard’s eyes fix on my position as though he’s waiting for me to leave. I remain planted on the forest floor, my refusal to be in the dark anymore. I’m relieved when Cohen shakes his head at Bernard.
The guard’s mouth twists like he’s swallowed a tub of pickles. “Fine. There isn’t much I have to report. Rumor has reached the front that Shaerdan has sent a declaration of war. With or without the king’s response, they’re going to attack. Your brother’s unit has been called to go to Meridian.”
“When?” Cohen’s voice is shy of a whisper.
“They left at sunrise,” says Bernard.
“I don’t understand.” Cohen shakes his head, his face darkening. His hands grip his hair, pulling it at odd angles. “Why? Why’d they send them out?”
I cross the distance to him and put my hand on his arm, hoping the contact will ease his distress somehow.
“They’ll be surrounded,” Cohen says, horror lining his words. “Shaerdan has set up camp in Meridian. The bulk of their army is there. Why would the king send such young and green soldiers there?”
Bernard’s expression twists in compassion. His hands stray to the new hole in the arm of his jacket. “I’m sorry, Cohen. I don’t know why they’re going. Word is they’re meant to be part of the first strike. That’s why I came to tell you.”
I’m new to warfare, but I understand enough to know first strike isn’t promising. Not for a boy of fourteen. The border town of Fennit was littered with tents and campfires and weaponry. Moving a massive group doesn’t seem feasible. Unless the entire group isn’t headed to Meridian.
“How many were sent?” I ask.
Bernard stops playing with the two arrow marks, and his eyes cut to Cohen. “Er, I been told it was only his unit. Two dozen men in all.”
I don’t notice Enat’s approach until she’s standing beside me. “Those men are going to Meridian to lay down their lives. They’ll be a bump in the road to the Shaerdanian army. It’s a shame.”
Cohen remains silent.
There is no way to break the bind on the king as well as save Cohen’s brother. Not when his brother is marching to his death. Time is up.
Leif said, No one’s strong alone. We need each other.
I bite the inside of my lip, considering a new plan. If Cohen continues into Brentyn with me, there’s a good chance Finn will die. Cohen wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he let that happen.
It will be a struggle to continue without him but not impossible.
“You should go.” My voice shreds through the padded sounds of the woods.
Cohen blinks out of his stupor and stares at me, emotions uncharacteristically clouding his face. “What do you mean?”
“We’re hours from the border. You have enough time to get to Finn if you go now. Who will save Finn if you don’t?” He shakes his head, but I won’t let him talk. “You gave your word to your mother.”
“I gave my word to you as well.” His words are spoken like a growl. His eyes flash ready with an argument. Can he not see there is no way to help us both? If he won’t choose, I’ll do it for him.
“Listen to me.” My fingers whiten around my bow. “Enat and I will go on to Brentyn. I’ll disguise myself in the dress and bonnet like in Celize so no one will recognize me. When we get to the castle, Enat can help me discern where the guards are. Then together, we’ll find our way to the king.” It may not be entirely sound, but it’s the best plan I have.
Cohen sweeps his head side to side so chunks of sable and molasses-brown hair fall across his brow. “No. No way. There are too many risks. You cannot go into the castle blindly. You’ll get caught.”
I set my bow and arrow down and cross through sage bushes to reach him. “I have Enat. Finn needs you. If you don’t help him and he dies, you won’t be able to let that pain go. I know you, Cohen. You are loyal and true. You would never forgive yourself.” I take in a great gulp of cool mountain air to steady my rapidly beating heart. “If you live the rest of your life blaming yourself for Finn’s death, we won’t ever be happy together. And . . . and.” My voice is small. “I want that. I want to be happy with you.”
He drops his chin to the top of my head. “I want that too. But what if this doesn’t work?”