The empty sled sat in the middle of the drainage road with frost still crawling over its braces.
For one hard breath, nobody on the road moved.
Then Iven Marr lowered his hand toward the sled.
"Recover the volume and strip the rebel route down to its foundation," he said. "Leave the wounded alive only if they become useful."
Carden answered by charging across the broken ice.
JJ shoved Ty behind a bent rail and met him halfway. Their blades struck above the smoking ice, and the sound ran through Ty's teeth. His legs tried to fold under him. He caught the rail with his torn hand and paid for the grip in fresh blood.
Blue pulled herself out from his collar, hair stuck to her face.
"If you pass out now, I am stealing your name and using it irresponsibly," she said. "Stay rude enough to prevent that from happening."
"I am staying alive out of spite and brand protection," Ty said.
Osalf moved to cover Tressa before Iven redirected.
