It was quite possibly the most humiliating experience of his life. Prince Innes of Freila, being backed into a dirty fortress like a dog by common merchants. Needing to ask for help after his show of determination.
It could be worse, he realized. Much worse. At least they were still alive, still in one piece. Gerik's mercenaries hadn't turned and fled as any other mercenaries would do in such a situation.
But it was still humiliating. He was a prince, a master tactician, this should not have happened to him in the first place. They were trapped like rats, and all that was left to do was survive and wait for someone to come to their aid.
Innes glanced outside again, the soldiers had yet to leave and some seemed to be growing inpatient, looking for a good battle. Innes longed to take them on, show them he wasn't about to be intimiated by merchants, but he knew it would be a foolish move on his part.
Tethys and Gerik had long since fallen asleep, but Innes remained awake, waiting to hear the sound of pegasus wings or horse hooves or even voices.
I will not give in. I will make it to Jehanna even if I have to crawl.