‘Could we make it to the manor house? If we’re right in our hunch that Aristotles is there, we’ll find aid and a more defensible position there.’
‘No, Your Highness, it’s too far away. The Lupines would overrun us long before we reached it. We might be able to reach the village, though. That would still be better than being out here.’
‘You’d better make your choice quickly,’ Antauros rumbled. ‘I doubt they’ll give us much longer to chat…’
‘We’ll take our chances,’ Theodora said decisively. ‘Captain Almar, organise an orderly, defensive withdrawal.’
‘Yes, Your Highness. What of the casualties?’
‘All who can stand come with us.’
Theodora’s voice caught in her throat as she spoke, and Captain Almar nodded brusquely in acknowledgement before wheeling about and issuing orders at a lightni
