'WHEN WE'RE DONE, WE'LL SHOW you the best swimming hole.'Y'len chatted excitedly to me as I shovelled dirt out, then stood back to let Broen have his turn.'That sounds nice,' I smiled down at her.It really would be nice. The day was a scorcher, and I couldn't look more un-princess like at the moment, sweat pouring off me.'Ashern, you and your sister go fetch some drinks. Tell the others to do the same.'Elder Taine spoke to his son and the two kids dashed off, calling to the others clustered around the adults digging.'A stunning day,' I remarked.Elder Taine agreed, 'It is a good omen for such a solemn task.'There was an awkward silence as the villagers flicked looks at each other. I waited.'Your Highness, we did wonder what it is we're being protected from. We heard some odd rumors from those close to Dooran.'I felt Kassie's warning and hesitated while trying to think of an appropriate answer. Another man spoke up. 'They said that the creatures attacked incredibly

BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED back at the castle, it was dark. Elena, Yakov, and Lieutenants Ignatius and Patel waited for them with sombre expressions. Cat had barely spoken the entire time. Alek could sense the guilt weighing on her and he knew from experience that there was little he could do about it.He caught her when she slid down from Loushka and said to those gathered. 'We can talk tomorrow.'Elena held a hand up and he stopped. 'Yes, we can after you've dealt with the infestation.'Alek looked at her in surprise. 'You know where they are?''I have a fair idea.' Elena looked at Daron and Sian. 'I need you two to go on Sito and look for me.'Daron nodded while Sian asked, 'Now?''Yes. You can rest when you get back. The others will deal with the horde.'Sian and Daron exchanged a look, walking to Sito with Elena.Alek nodded again to Yakov and the Lieutenants. 'Tomorrow then.'All except Ignatius, nodded. Iggy had his eyes locked on Cat. Alek felt a twinge of annoyance and

ALEK REACHED FOR THE DAGGER sheathed to his calf then gingerly began to slice into the bottom of the sack, trying to touch it as little as possible. It was tougher than it looked, and he had to saw at it. Then the weight of the body inside ripped through and dropped to the ground with a loud splat. An awful stench wafted up, and he heard someone gagging.Bet that's Sabyn, he thought. He really can't handle smells. Alek turned to look at the girls. The three of them stared in horror at the mess that was once someone.YOU COULD BARELY IDENTIFY IT, even as a species. The limbs were black and softened, like the bones within had liquefied. I felt bile rise and hastily turned away, retching. After I stood, wiping my mouth, I realized that sacks like this one hung from as many trees as I could see. Hundreds of lives, young and old, had been taken by the revolting creatures; now left to rot, hanging like grotesque ornaments in this grim forest.I looked at Loi and whispered, 'Does the for

'THE PLAN IS EAT BREAKFAST, then join the Lieutenants, Ellie, Yakov, and the others at the Council Chambers. Ellie is going to make the official announcement, and with her siblings assistance, call on our past allies for support.'Cat stared at him with the fork paused halfway to her mouth. 'Allies? What for?''Some to provide protection for the castle and Elion itself. Others to join us in the march.' Alek flashed her a smile and began to eat, not paying attention to the food. This meeting was the first step officially forward, and he was anxious to get on with the plans.'How many are marching South with us?'Cat put the fork down, her food untouched. He pointed at the plate. 'Eat first and then I'll explain. Oh, and Ellie wants you to wear that over your training clothes.' He indicated the garment. 'It'll look appropriate when we greet the allies.'MEET WITH THE ALLIES? AND Elena's siblings? My stomach twisted with nerves at the thought of this meeting. The Lieutenants had ne

THE HOUR WENT FAST, AWFULLY fast. Time seemed to fly while I ached to slow it down. Before I knew it, the rest of the day had gone and I sat in an armchair, looking out over the courtyard.Alek lay sleeping in the bed, but Audi kept me company. The night was still and only the guards on duty moved outside, quietly going about their rounds. As much as I knew my body needed it, sleep refused to come. Everything that had happened today kept ticking over in my head.By the time we'd finished training, Elena had reached more allies. Joining us, in a week's time, was the elvan warrior ranks from Hotoreth, and the Draoths of Nalauth. The Lieutenants and men were impressed as both realms were known for their elite forces. Feeling my legs stiffen with the cold creeping in, I stood, intending to try and get some sleep, then stopped at the hum in the air. Loi's awake, I realized. Grabbing my cloak, I slipped out of the room.THE TINY CREAK OF A door made Loi spin, tense and ready. Cat stood