Chapter 26

- Noker -

"Yes," I gratefully reply. "I would like that."

Bronwen's eyes are red with the smoke and the terrible events of today, but still they manage to shine. "You rescued me from Unin'iz."

I stroke her hair. "I would do anything to keep you safe."

"I know you would."

We stand there like that for a while.

"When Sprisk returns," I finally decide, "I will have him take you to the Borok village. He still needs something to do."

"Maybe there's enough for him to do here? I want Trat to take me to the village. It's not that far, and now we don't have to worry about outcasts attacking us."

I don't like that idea. "Both Sprisk and Trat can take you there. Together."

"Or just Trat," Bronwen persists. "He's already protected me in the jungle once. And I want him to help me with something else, too."

But she's not the only one who can be stubborn. "Sprisk and Trat. Or I will go there with you myself. I came too close to losing you this time."

"All right," she gives in. "Both of them. I will be back with Astrid, if she agrees. When is funeral?"

"In two nights," I decide. "We have to tidy up everything and get rid of the dead enemies before we can give him the proper farewell. Even if Astrid doesn't agree, I want you to come here. If you don't, I'll come and get you."