Kyle and his group clung to the slim hope of taking their share of supplies and finding another way out through the caverns. Even if the chances were slim, it was better than knowingly walking down a dead end with no way back.

Rhydian turned pale with fury. He clenched his fists, wanting to berate them. But when he looked at the comrades he'd fought alongside and saw the fear in their eyes, the harsh words died in his throat. He was just as terrified, but duty and loyalty held him back.

"You… How could you do this?" Judith snapped, her voice tight with frustration as she stamped her foot. "Her Highness has treated you well, and now you would turn tail at the first sign of danger?"

Grace looked at the men before her, tears and snot running down their faces as they pleaded desperately. Her heart was a whirlpool of conflicting emotions. There was disappointment, the chill of betrayal, but even more than that, there was a deep sorrow and helplessness.

She understood their fear. If even