33
The ride north through the mountains didn’t hold the same dread as our journey to the Brien, but as the miles passed, a weight still hung over us.
Where will we send the children?
I didn’t ask. Neither did Finn, but as Liam rode silently in front of us mile after mile, I knew Finn was wondering the same thing.
We made it all the way to the bit of the mountains we called home before any of us did anything but think.
It was the sharp scent of blood I noticed first, carrying past the earthy fragrance of the woods.
“Liam.” I stopped my horse, sniffing the breeze.
The bay fidgeted beneath me, like she too could smell death on the wind.
“What is it?” Liam looked back over his shoulder at me, his face calm.
“There’s something wrong.” I slid down off my horse. “I think something’s been
