“Don’t be foolish enough to start doubting me now.” Leen grinned and took a couple steps away. “You, both of you,” she pointed to Garll and Hants. “Just focus on getting through. Especially you, Hants; our world needs you to rally behind. No one else can fill that role.”
Garll knew what Leen was really urging Hants to do. So did Hants, judging from the way he inched closer to her. Their Emperor couldn’t be reckless on her behalf. Garll patted the dagger on her thigh thoughtfully. One way or another, she wouldn’t let that happen.
“Stay close to me,” Hants whispered softly to her.
“I will,” she promised.
The dim light of the half moon was fading. Leen crouched low, almost on her hands and knees, and began her slow trek through the fields leading up to the gate. It was a longer distance t
