Chapter Four – The Sound of Falling LeavesMeryn spun towards Cal. 'Keep the girls quiet, the Picts are getting close.' The four girls cast tear-filled eyes towards the old archer and stifled their sobs as Cal whispered quietly to them. The two boys were also scared, but were trying their best to be brave and follow Cal's example.
Meryn shook his head and sighed. 'This isn't going to turn out good if we stick together. I'm going to try and lead them in another direction, maybe pick a few off if I'm lucky.' He pulled Usher away a few steps, and then lowered his voice even further. 'Listen, lad, we have to put some distance between those Picts and these children. Hide here for a while until you hear them going after me, then I'll lose them and swing back to join you later.' His grip on Usher
