9
AFTER PRACTICE, RASHA GATHERED her team to explain the situation. She trusted them much more than the council.
“In spite of my repeated requests to the council, it doesn’t look like we’re getting the help we need. I pushed my parents to send more from Chilali, and we’ve asked the mermen send more. Both have been slow about providing fighters. I’ll be honest, it still won’t be enough. There’s one place, however, we haven’t tried.”
“I thought we’d contacted Chiza’s father,” Jak said.
“Not the tenth kingdom. I’m talking about the Wilds.”
Ebere remained silent, as was his way. Ladi looked to Jak. It was Jak whose expression changed. He laughed.
“They’ll never join us in this fight,” he said.
“Why shouldn’t they? Aren’t their lands in just as much danger as ours? There’s much more for
