“As are mine,” Pielere admitted, feeling his brother’s dilemma.
“Ah, the joys of family,” Maerishka taunted. “What will it be? Will you save your kingdom or your children? Gods or not, it would take all three of you to have any hope of stopping that army, unless you can be in two places at once.”
“She’s right,” Kern said, surprising everyone. “I’ll go. I can be at the palace in seconds.”
“Are you sure?” Eirae asked, his expression relaxing.
“Of course. They are my family, too.”
Mirerien went to Kern, giving him a hug for thanks and luck. “Just try to stay alive this time. I don’t think we can bring you back again.”
“Don’t die. Got it.”
“One more thing,” Pielere said, putting a hand on Kern’s shoulder. “They aren’t at the palace. They are in the tunnels under the clerics’ temple.” Pu
