Jace stood over his bed, making sure he had everything packed. The journey would take no more then a few days round trip with Vermax, but he liked to he prepared.

His mother needed him, even if she didn’t want to admit it. He needed to show her he wasn’t some princeling to be kept at the breast. He was just as willing to put his efforts into her war as anyone else.

“Water bladder… rations… knife…” He listed off the things he’d put into the bag he’d strap to Vermax’s saddle.