The war horn sounded again, and the noise carried through the settlement like a warning from the dead.
I stood beside the doorway, staring toward the gates. Shouts rose beyond the walls, followed by the clash of weapons. Garrick’s warriors had gone to fight because I had brought danger to their home. Because I had hidden Derek here. Because I had believed distance would keep him safe.
“Mama?” Derek called from behind me.
I turned. He was standing with his little travel cloak over one arm, waiting for Lydia to take him to a friend of Mara cottage on the other side of the settlement. I had forgotten they planned to visit before supper.
“Go with Lydia,” I told him, keeping my voice steady. “Stay with her and do exactly as she says.”
His brows drew together. “Where are you going?”
“Nowhe
