The trumpet’s note cut the air and the voice that followed felt like a cold blade across my skin.
“Finish what you started.”
The line of men nearest me shifted as if whatever courage they’d stolen from sleep had been asked to buckle under a command. Rowan’s fingers tightened on his pike. Liora’s jaw set like flint. Brenn spat to clear his mouth.
“Do not let them own the day with noise,” I shouted. “We’ve stalled them. We take advantage of the stall. Push—now! Take the lane and bring their leader to the square. Show the men their reward for slaughter.”
A young captain at my side, wide-eyed but steady, blinked and shouted orders I’d given. “Pike right! Archers, fall in with the crossbows—cover the gap!”
“Kael, the rim’s thin,” Rowan said close, breath hot on my cheek. “If we go too far
