‘There are too many!’
‘Try!’ he replied abruptly, before shifting his attention to Rayna. ‘Our numbers are not sufficient to quash Mirielle’s forces without confrontation. You command the respect of The Blades – you must use it!’
‘Nathaniel, they follow The Blade Lord.’
‘Marcus is lost to us right now; he cannot see past his blind devotion to the Queen. They respect me, but they will follow you, if you so wish it. Please, Rayna, help us finish this without the need for bloodshed.’
He could see the indecision etched across the light bringer’s face. Rayna had sworn an oath to the Order, as had they all. No doubt, the thought of undermining The Blade Lord’s command spat in the face of that oath.
‘Do not see this as a betrayal. I realise that I am asking a lot of you, though I only do so
