12
The master wants you to stay behind.
The words echoed within Caden’s mind, a reminder of his failure to retrieve the gemstone two weeks earlier. He assumed it was a punishment, and he berated himself daily. If only he’d been more prepared.
Lord D’Lance was hosting a public celebration for the High Prince, and Bast had spent the last few hours finalizing their plans to disrupt the event.
“You seem depressed.”
Caden looked up at the draman and laughed. “Disappointed is more like it. I can’t lead our master’s forces if I’m not with them. I failed the task she gave me, and I know this is my reward.”
“I think you misunderstand her,” Bast said. “She wants you to stay behind for your safety. If you are killed tomorrow, then we suffer a significant loss. Our numbers have doubled since you
