Page 76 of On Broken Bonds

“Really?”

Fenric shrugs. “Most magical attacks don't affect us the same way while transformed. Not all of them. But enough.”

“Have you ever tested it against something like this?” Thorian asks.

“No.” Fenric's expression turns thoughtful. “But then again, when would I have had the opportunity? It's not as though my village had enchanted death swamps lying around.”

Despite everything, I snort.

The corner of Thorian's mouth twitches.

“So it's possible,” Thorian says. “Not guaranteed. But possible.”

Fenric nods slowly. “Possible.”

I finally understand where this conversation is heading.

“You want him to cross the water as a berserker.”

“I want him alive,” Thorian says. “The transformation gives him the best chance.”

“You’re right,” Fenric says flatly. “I don’t like it, but you’re right.”

“So we have a plan to get the two of us across.” His eyes shift to me. “The problem is you.”

I open my mouth. Close it. Then sigh. Because once again, he's right.

“You won't survive repeated exposure to that water,” he says. “Not after what we just watched. So the goal becomes keeping you out of it entirely.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks. “Wonderful. I'm the weakest link.”

“I would never call you weak,” Thorian says.

The correction is immediate. Firm. And somehow worse for my pride.

Fenric thankfully rescues me before I can think of a response. “So what's the actual plan?”

Thorian looks back toward the swamp. “I carry Nyx across. We use platforms whenever possible. We enter the water only when necessary. Fenric will transform and take the crossings himself. We stay close enough to help each other if anything goes wrong.”

Fenric studies the swamp before nodding. “It's not a good plan.”

“No,” Thorian agrees. “It's just the least terrible one.”

“Exactly.”

“I guess,” I say, feeling unconvinced as I look out at the creepy water.

The berserker lets out a long breath. “Alright. Then let's do it.”

The hesitation in his voice makes me look at him more closely. He looks nervous.

“Fenric?” I ask.

“Yeah?”

“You okay?”

He clears his throat, then looks directly at Thorian. “I have two problems.”