Chapter50: The End of the Road

*Maerilee* My barrier hums around us, seemingly unnoticed by everyone but Permiton. He squeezes my hand, and the tension in my chest eases as I realize the barrier may not even be necessary. Permiton hasn’t led us astray yet, and I know that he’s seen something in the future that makes him confident the rebels aren’t here to harm us. I drop the barrier as a measure of good faith, my fears easing as Caelan steps forward, his sword sheathed, and drops to one knee. The other rebels follow suit, their heads bowed in reverence, their arms crossed over their chest in a sign of Altinnian allegiance. Tears spring to my eyes as I realize that Caelan didn’t come to attack us. He’s here to help us. He looks up at me, his expression steady and filled with deep respect. “Princess Maerilee,” he starts, his voice carrying a weight that quiets even the rustling trees around us. “I apologize for the misunderstanding. We haven’t come to harm you. We’ve come to pledge ourselves to you and your cause.” Sl