Dawn was breaking when we exited the chieftain’s hut. A crowd had formed around it. The guards spoke, drawing the entire Krat population to gather there. A hush fell over the crowd when I emerged, and I was reminded of that first time in Foresthome all over again, when I addressed the masses.
I felt a hundred eyes on me. My heart pounded as a brief moment of panic swept through, but I wasn’t the same timid waif I was when I ran into the forest. I climbed atop a nearby table as Galen and Remi dragged Borga’s body out and dropped it to the ground.
“Your leader is gone,” I said, summoning more courage as I spoke. “I had no choice. I deeply regret causing his death.” My voice broke and I cleared my throat. “I accept whatever punishment you deem fit. All I ask is you release your prisoners, a
