Chapter 6

Magnus reached into his traveling sack and pulled out another, heavier cloak. “Here, use this if you are cold.”

“I’m not.”

“Do not be stubborn, your highness. I can tell by your trembling.”

“I do not tremble.” Roland snatched the cloak out of Magnus’s hands and wrapped it around the other one. He lowered his lashes so they masked his eyes.

Magnus sat on the rock beside him. “I am sorry, Roland.”

Roland’s breath came out shaky, broken. “I cannot believe I left her behind.”

“She knew what she was doing when she sent you away,” he said gently.

“Only a monster leaves an old woman behind to die. She was my mother.”

“You are no monster.” Magnus sighed. “If you look to one to blame, blame me.”

“I do blame you.”

He nodded. “You are my responsibility, your highness. My vow is to keep you unharmed so that you can fulfill the prophecy. Everyone else is expendable.”

“Have you no heart?” cried the prince. “Expendable? No one is.”