Leif
Stop scaring her, I sent to my warrior brother with a frown.
She needs to know the truth. Out loud, he said, “We need to find water. The Grey Men do not like it.”
“There’s a marsh nearby.” We knew the terrain from our time staking out the abbey.
“It may be enough. But we’d better find a river, or better yet, a lake.”
Willow’s breath came in ragged gasps as we threaded through the woods. Brokk led, and I brought up the rear, touching her often to reassure her.
The thicket gave way to a ragged patch of reeds and muddy water. We went in, picking our way over the soggy terrain. The mud sucked at my boots, and I bit back a curse. If we were lucky, the swamp would be enough to deter the Corpse King’s servants.
Brokk stopped then turned with a finger to his lips.
More draugr ahead. T
