Kaelen adjusted his hold slightly so the girl rested securely against his chest. Her words spilled out with worry and fear, and Kaelne listened without interrupting, carrying her slowing as they moved between the trees.

When she finished, he looked down at her, his expression softening beneath his hood.

“Trying to stop a war is a difficult thing,” he said quietly, “Even for kings.”

The ranger stepped over a fallen branch and continued along the narrow forest path, choosing the safest ground by instinct. Somewhere ahead, he knew, there would be a stream and a sheltered patch where he could tend to her wounds.

“Your father told you to stay away because he wished to keep you safe,” Kaelen went on, his voice calm and steady. 

He glanced down again at the young girl, making sure she remained conscious, making sure she was safe. As he walked he wondered how the girl had gotten so deep into the woods without being noticed, without being hurt. He counced her up again, against his chest and hurried towards the stream.