antinio, who held Jardila upright, her breast rising and falling in rapid breaths. Her hand was outstretched, as though she held Sirgeto back with the gesture. And perhaps she did; her face poured with sweat.
But hope sparked in her eyes when she caught sight of Never.
“Sirgeto, I am here,” Never shouted.
The man spun and a frown passed over his haggard features. But he only opened his mouth, pointing his sword. Or perhaps the sword lifted his arm. No sound issued from Sirgeto’s lips, but the men with him charged, allowing the man to resume striking the barrier. Elina drew and fired, her arrow flying just wide of the lead man. Her next shot struck an arm, causing the fellow to stumble and she cursed.
Never gave her a look as he readied his sword.
“I haven’t been shooting much lately,”
