Bearclaw Valley If I was born a blackthorn tree

Even when he believed she was wrong, Aventus couldn't help appreciating Arielle's honesty. He felt her warmth beside him and leaned ever-so-gently into her, doing his best to ignore the burning in his side. He believed their success at Rivenwood hinged entirely on the element of surprise. Rescuing the children could be a strong motivating force for Rivenwood to regroup and launch their own attack, and Ursus was in no shape to defend.

If it was up to the Bruin-jaw, the children would draw breath no longer. Better to slay them now when it would take the wind right out of Rivenwood's sails than to wait for the day when they would need to test Merrick's conditioning. He wanted to tell her all this, but kept his thoughts to himself, as he would have if she was Merrick or Astara. The truth of him was at odds with Ursus. Nobody could ever know it.

You are right, he sighed. At least about that last bit, she was. Merrick would not be deterred. He turned tired, heavy eyes upon her. I hope that it is worth it.