622 Don't Count Me Out

RETH

"Gawhr, what are you doing?"

"I am freeing your Queen's Advisor so he may join his comrades in evil," Gawhr growled.

Reth's heart pounded, then stopped, then pounded again and he gasped, reaching for the huge man—but unwilling to lay hands on him because the bears would see that as a declaration of war. "Please, Gawhr, let him go. He's been beaten. He's weak."

"And he will pay the price for his stupidity—as will you, and your Queen. Perhaps in this you will understand, finally, the heat of the fire that you play with!"

They passed into the cave, their voices echoing in the stone chamber, but Gawhr was single minded, dragging Gahrye as if he were little more than a child.

"Gawhr, please. Let's talk this through. It doesn't have to mean war for us—"

"The bears own the Portal, Reth, or do you attempt to go back on your word in that agreement as well?

Reth groaned. "No, but—"