Thyrn stiffened. ‘I can’t do that.’
‘You can, you will! You’ll have no choice if it happens. And you must protect your uncle as well as yourself. When we stop, help him down, and keep the horses together.’ He tightened his grip to emphasize the urgency of his words. ‘This is a bad lesson for you, Caddoran, but learn it well and learn it quickly. You’re here through no fault of your own and you’re entitled to survive. Do you understand? You’re entitled to survive! Where we are now, everything is that simple.’
Endryk’s tone allowed no debate as he pushed the knife back into Thyrn’s belt.
Hyrald glanced quickly over his shoulder. Their pursuers were in sight.
Endryk was shouting. ‘Now!’
As he swung off his horse, Endryk took Thyrn with him, thrust both sets of reins into his shaking hand
