 
Endonshan Chronicles Book 5

## INVASION

By Cy Bishop

Copyright 2018 Cy Bishop

Smashwords Edition

With special thanks to:

God, my patient family, Google,

and Jessica Dodson for the fantastic cover

Table of Contents

Start of Book

Pronunciation Guide and Glossary

About the Author

_269 years before The Division_

Chapter 1

Korel moved stealthily along the alleyway, watchful and alert, ready to spring into action at the first sign of Hranites. They would pay for what they'd done. He would be the spark to ignite the revolution to drive the monsters out of Kenara.

His stiff leather jerkin smacked his ear. He cringed and rubbed it, wishing he'd managed to get his hands on some armor that actually fit. At least the greaves and bracers weren't too far off. And the mask wasn't bad, though it fit too tight on top and too loose on bottom. And it had three patches.

He looked like a clown.

No, he couldn't think like that. Korel shook his head and refocused. The too-large jerkin would make him look bigger, more intimidating. He hoped. Or at least the dark of night would hide the fact that his suit of armor was put together of whatever random pieces he could find.

Besides, the important part wasn't his gear, it was his goal. It had been four years since the Hranites breached the Wall at Luvis, a smaller city just a couple days southwest of his own larger trade city on the main road, Emerton. The invaders somehow made it to the palace and captured the entire royal family—Princess Koleatara, her husband, and their three children. The resistance hadn't lasted long after that, and no one wanted to try an uprising for fear of what the monsters would do to Princess Koleatara and her family.

But Korel knew the truth. The Hranites claimed they still held the family captive, but had done nothing to prove it for the last two years in a row. Obviously they'd killed the royals and pretended they still lived to keep their control over the Kenarans.

He was going to change that now. He darted from one alley to the next, creeping his way along and doing his best to ignore the loud jangles coming from the chainmail no long properly attached to the armor covering his thighs.

As he took on his campaign against the wicked Hranites, their commanders in their Tower would be forced to prove to the people the royal family was still alive—which of course they wouldn't be able to do. And then everyone would know the truth and take up arms. He would be the symbol of revolution, the fuel to the fire, the—

A flash of movement caught his eye, and he backpedaled to stop before crossing the next road. He flattened himself against the wall and listened, heart pounding. A couple of voices joked coarsely, sounding for all the world like a couple of drunks stumbling out of a tavern. Hranite drunks.

Korel grinned. It was a small start, perhaps, but he would gain momentum from there. Even these two drunkards would be enough to send a clear message: the people are no longer afraid to rise up.

He drew in a deep breath and spun around the corner, both swords drawn and ready. "Stand down, evildoers! Your wickedness will no longer..."

His voice disappeared as a half-dozen Hranites turned to face him.

One began to laugh, then another, then all of them. Laughing at him.

Korel's body froze in place. He'd been a fool. In his eagerness, he'd failed to peer around the corner to verify their numbers.

"What was that, boy?" the biggest of the Hranites growled around a throaty, derisive laugh. The lean, gray-skinned man hefted a mace, his smirk unsettling in the nearly skeletal face, his sideways eyes flashing with eagerness for a fight. The others around him drew their own weapons.

Korel's legs finally responded by bolting in the opposite direction. The Hranites roared behind him, their pounding footsteps in pursuit.

Panic and shame competed in Korel's mind. He took a corner, then another, but couldn't shake them. He dodged down an alleyway and crouched in the shadows, away from the homes lining the street and the lights glowing from their windows. With any hope, he would simply disappear in the dark of night. He realized he still clutched his swords and carefully slid them back into their sheaths, making only the faintest whisper of a sound. Leaning back against the wall, he worked to control his breathing. He had to stay quiet. Silent. Undetected in the night.

"Boy," a rumbling voice beside him greeted.

He yelped and jerked upright. The Hranite leader smirked again, two of the others flanking his sides.

Korel spun the opposite direction to find the remaining three blocking his escape. He was trapped.

"So," the Hranite said in the gravelly voice so typical to their kind. He leaned in, his sideways eyes narrowing in a disconcerting way. "You want to finish what you were saying?"

"I..." Korel's mind raced. There had to be some way out. Three in front, three behind. The leader would be the biggest challenge, so he should go for the ones behind.

The leader caught the front of Korel's jerkin and yanked him forward. "I said, you want to finish what you were saying?"

Korel's arm swung without conscious direction, and his elbow connected with the Hranite's skeletal jaw. The grip on his armor released as the tall man reeled backwards.

The others shouted, all lunging forward.

Korel ducked under two of them, letting them tangle into each other. His short Elf height was a benefit at times. One left behind, two in front. He lunged toward the last one behind him at the same moment the woman charged. He skidded and rolled into her legs, then came up on the other side and dashed away.

He heard them shouting. They wouldn't be far behind. He scrambled around one corner after another, then realized he was getting close to the Great Forest surrounding the city. Pausing, he glanced back. Voices echoing through the streets told him they were still in pursuit. His best chance was to lose them in the trees.

Korel had to slow down significantly to safely navigate the forest. The Hranites would have to slow down even more; they would hardly be able to see at all in the darkness there, not to mention that they weren't familiar with the rootwork the way he was. He would lose them in moments.

He hoped.

Light beams flashed behind him, and he swallowed a curse. They had the special lanterns with them, the ones that used mirrors to direct the light. The darkness was no longer an advantage for him. Louder shouts told him he'd been spotted.

He sped up, kicking off a large root for extra speed. His boot, sturdy but loose, shifted. He landed flat on his face. Scrambling over himself, he made it back to his feet and bolted again, but something slammed hard into his back, knocking him flat.

The hefty jerkin hadn't been enough to keep the air from being sucked out of his lungs. He pushed himself over, trying to regain his breath and get his thoughts back in order.

A punishing kick caught his side. "Come now, clown," the Hranite jeered, "entertain us."

Another swung a chain-mace squarely into Korel's stomach, making him grunt in pain and curl in on himself.

Korel struggled, trying to get his feet, trying to see an opening to grab a leg and bring one of them down. But each time, someone else would lash out before he could make any progress. Within moments, there were no more taunts, no more pauses, nothing but a steady stream of violent attacks.

They were going to beat him to death.

He couldn't breathe. It felt like everything and nothing at once. The world moved around him in nauseating swirls.

Something changed. Dim awareness floated in and out with a vague understanding that the attacks had stopped. There were fewer Hranites. And then the remaining few were running, shouting words that swam into clarity, "Tulvan! Tulvan!" A face loomed over his, shadowed and fierce, just before he passed out.

* * *

Warm daylight soothed Korel's body. He stirred and immediately regretted it. Everything hurt.

"Be still." A woman's voice, flat but with an odd sense of authority.

With a groan, he managed to shift his position enough to see who was there. A Tulvan woman sat beside a tiny fire, occasionally stirring the contents of a little metal pot. Her near-feline face was streaked with scars and dirt, making her look even more ferocious than her kind typically looked. One of her high, pyramid ears had a chunk missing, furthering the effect. Her eyes roved the environment around them, shifting from one area to the next, never looking his way.

Korel couldn't stop staring. A Tulvan? He'd thought they were all dead. Since they were the strongest people in all Kenara, the Hranites had targeted them specifically. The fact that she was still alive suggested she was as wild as her appearance made her look.

"What are you going to do with me?" he finally asked.

Her eyes briefly flicked in his direction before she resumed her constant scan. "The tea will be done shortly. It will give you strength to return to your home, so long as you go straight there."

"You're letting me go?"

"You're not my prisoner."

He felt tension in his chest loosen, reminding him of how badly he hurt. He winced and sucked in a breath, which hurt even more.

"Be still," she repeated.

He obeyed this time. Lying still let him take in more of his surroundings. It was hard to tell in daylight instead of the dark of night, but it didn't look like the place he'd been attacked the night before. They were still in the forest, though. Trees swayed overhead, birds chirruped, and his armor was gone.

He blinked in a sudden panic and raised his arms to his face. He yelped in pain and froze.

The Tulvan crouched at his side and helped him lower his arms slowly. "You can't follow simple directions?"

"Sorry," he whispered through sucked breaths.

"I'm not the one suffering for it."

It took some time to recover from the shock of pain, but he'd determined what he needed to know: his mask was still in place. "You took my armor off?"

"It fit poorly."

"But you left my mask on."

"It fit fine."

That wasn't really what he'd been asking, and he wasn't entirely sure if she knew it or not. "I mean, why didn't you take my mask off? You must be curious who I am to run around, attacking Hranites in a mask."

"Why?"

"Because we need to end the Hranite scourge in our land once and for all! Because—"

"I meant, why would I be curious?" she interrupted.

His face felt hot. "Oh."

Silence reigned for an uncomfortable length of time. He finally tried again. "What's your name?"

"Unimportant."

"I'm Korel."

"That's nice."

He frowned under the mask. "You're not a very good conversationalist."

"Thank you."

"Do you really think that was a compliment?" He turned his head to look at her without thinking, and the pain rocked his body once again.

She sighed and moved toward him, this time lifting him partway up. She reached for the bottom of his mask.

He pulled away and almost yelped at the shock of pain. "No—no, don't..."

She sighed again. "Be still. I won't look." True to her word, she turned her head away in an overly obvious gesture before lifting the bottom of his mask. He braced himself for the cup to fumble against his face before finding his lips, but she brought it straight to his mouth with no fumbling.

The liquid was almost painfully hot and seared all the way down, but the effects were instantaneous. The pain that had been rippling in strength faded to a faint mumble in the background. He drew in a deep breath for the first time since waking and pulled his mask back into place. It was easy now to support himself, and he eased away from her grip. "What is that stuff?"

"Toxic if you have too much." She took a swig and tossed the rest into the grass.

He recoiled at her warning; he'd been about to ask for another drink. Even more disturbing, he realized he still wanted another drink anyway.

The Tulvan extinguished the fire and stood. "Return to your home. If you try it again, I won't be there to save you."

He wasn't sure if she meant she wouldn't be around or wouldn't bother saving him. He wouldn't put either past her at this point. "I'll be doing it again, no question."

"And you have no fear of what may happen to the royal family."

He grinned, ready and eager to answer that question. "That assumes they're still alive. The Hranites haven't brought them out for years now. Why? Because they already killed the royal family and are just pretending to still have them alive to keep all us Kenarans under their power. And—"

"You have proof of their deaths."

Korel's momentum sputtered. "I—it's the only thing that makes sense."

"Or they don't wish to risk the vulnerability of displaying the family to Kenarans, knowing there's been enough time for resistance groups to start forming plans."

Her words sparked in his mind. "Are there resistance groups? Are you part of one?"

"No." She turned to leave. "I will not help with something that will get the royal family murdered."

"Okay, let's pretend you're right. Then the Hranites wouldn't want to kill the royal family because they'd lose their control over Kenara—we would rise up and fight them off, no matter how badly we're outnumbered here."

She spun on him so abruptly he almost fell over. "And how many Kenarans will be killed to punish your attempts at an uprise and prevent any further from developing? How will you feel when your city is burned to the ground while you rot the rest of your life in a dungeon with nothing but the screams of your friends still ringing in your ears?"

She walked steadily forward, her eyes locked on his. "You are a foolish child. You have no skills to lead any such uprising attempt. You have no tactics. No intelligence. No leadership in mind nor in appeal. Your muscles are lacking, and your fighting abilities will leave you dead within the first three fights, if you're lucky. Walk away, Korel. Go back to your insignificant life and accept that the Hranites have won."

He could barely speak, his face flushing red and heat pounding in his ears. "I—I—I'll have you know—"

But she was already gone.

He scrutinized the area, trying to see which way she'd gone so he could hunt her down and tell her off. A pang struck the back of his neck, reminding him of her warning to go straight home. He cast one last scowl in the direction he thought she had gone, then left his ill-fitting armor behind and hurried back to the city. He would prove her wrong. He would stand against the Hranites again.

And next time, he would win.

Korel worked his way through the forest, aiming south of the city. He was already feeling pangs of pain returning, dull but getting stronger. The path beneath his feet became familiar, and his feet followed without conscious direction.

A lamp hung on a post just at the edge of the forest. He took a careful look to make sure no one was around, then lit the lamp and hurried into the shadows of the trees. His side twinged hard, and he wrapped an arm around his midsection, pushing himself onward. Yenda would see the light and come. He just had to make it home.

He forced himself to focus now, taking a fresh route through the trees, as always, to avoid wearing in a clear path. It was getting harder to walk now. He had to take slower breaths to avoid getting more sharp jabs in his ribs. He stumbled forward, everything starting to swim.

Finally, a shape swam into appearance ahead of him. Home. The ramshackle cabin he'd put together in a clearing just far enough away from the city to avoid detection. He tripped on a root and grunted at a shockwave of pain as he landed on hands and knees. So close. He only had to get a little further...

A hand touched his shoulder.

Chapter 2

Korel jerked in surprise, but relaxed as he felt warmth ease away the worst of the pain.

"Yenda," he said in relief, pushing himself up. He swayed, and the smaller Elf woman slid under his arm to keep him upright. "You got here fast," he continued as she helped him inside. "Thank you."

"What did you do to yourself?" She seated him on the only real furniture in his shack, a cobbled bed, and lightly touched his chest.

He knew her magic told her how badly he was hurt. He was lucky to have her as a friend. Magic users were rare, even rarer now than they had been only a couple generations ago. Healing magic, all the more so. Not only that, but she was willing to leave her work at the physic in the city to help him when he needed it. And even luckier, she never asked him about his mask, not even once. Maker had truly blessed him with her friendship.

"I've never seen you hurt so badly," she said, and he felt the healing warmth spreading through him again, more powerfully this time. "This is more than a bad encounter with a wild trongial, I think?"

He shrugged, feeling his ears warm. He didn't want to talk about his humiliation.

"I overheard some Hranites talking about someone in a mask," she said softly.

He sucked in a breath.

"Apparently some of their guards were challenged by a man in a mask who then ran from them and escaped in the forest."

"They left out the part where they got beaten by a Tulvan," he muttered. "And I didn't run from them—I mean, I fought them okay, there were just too many."

She shook her head. "You're lucky hardly anyone knows about you. Someone might have turned you in to make sure the Hranites don't take it out on the people. There are plenty who wouldn't think twice about handing you over, you know."

"And that's what we have to change." He stretched his arm, taking a deep breath. Her work took effect fast, as always. He moved over to the crooked stump that served as his table so she could sit on the more comfortable bed. "We have to unify against the Hranites and drive them out. There are more of us than them. We could do it, if only we all joined together."

"Which won't happen as long as the Hranites have the royal family." He opened his mouth, but she held up a hand. "I know. You don't think that's the case. But the people believe it too strongly to change their minds."

"I'm not giving up."

She sighed. "I just don't want to see you hurt again, Korel."

He stood and crossed the room. She didn't believe he could make a difference. He grabbed some softened leather pieces and handed them to her. "Payment for your services."

"Please say you won't go out there again."

"Thank you for coming."

She stood, then gave him a hug. It took him a moment before he put his arms around her. She leaned back and straightened his mask. "Just be careful. Promise me that much."

"I will." Much more careful this time. As he saw her to the door and said goodbye, his mind already worked its way through what he would change this time.

At dusk, he made his way around the outside of the city again, this time crossing the main road at the south and coming around the western side, nearly opposite his home. The metalsmith's shop stood at the edge of the city. He checked for activity on the street—almost none—and pulled his hood deep over his face, readjusting the large sack slung over one shoulder. If the Hranites were watching for someone in a mask, then he had to be extra mindful.

He slid into the shop, closing the door behind him.

"You're late, friend. Shop's closed," the stout man at the bellows called.

"I'm never late, not here," Korel replied.

Delahn looked up, his dark face splitting with a grin. "Korel! Haven't seen your ugly face in an age or two."

"Likewise," Korel returned the grin. He and Delahn might have similar skin tone, but the metalworker was shorter and had a cleanly angled face, the kind that made Korel jealous.

"See, that's what makes it unfair. You've seen me in all my hideousness," Delahn made a dramatic face, "but I don't get the same privilege. Come on, give us a peek. It's only right."

"Nice try." Delahn, unlike Yenda, was less willing to let the mask go unspoken. "I have a job for you."

"You've gotten your hands on all my spares. It'll be some time before I have any more."

"I don't want spares this time. I mean, I have a real job."

Delahn wiped off his hands and approached, one eyebrow raised. "A real job?"

Korel opened the bag, revealing a variety of prepared leathers. "I have more leathers, too. How much will it take for a custom suit of armor?"

"How custom are we talking?"

Korel explained his ideas. "What do you think?"

"It'll be a lot of work."

"I can come in the evenings and work with you. I can do most of the leatherworking myself; I just need you for the metal bits."

"They're looking for you, did you hear? I could get in a lot of trouble if they find out I'm helping you."

"You know it's worth it."

Delahn gave him a sidelong glance. "And what if they decide to start taking it out on other people? You could cause a lot of trouble for us here."

The thought made Korel pause, but he plunged onward. Putting people in danger didn't feel right, but nothing felt right in war. "It won't take long before people realize we have superior numbers and the Hranites have no valid threat to keep us from acting. Then we'll rise up and make the Hranites pay for all they've done. All will be made right." He fingered his mask. "And I'll make sure they stay focused on one primary target."

Delahn sighed. "Fine. I'll help. But you owe me."

* * *

Nearly a week later, Korel once again snuck through the streets after dusk. This time he was extra cautious, checking corners as he went. He wouldn't be caught off-guard like last time. His fitted armor moved smoothly with him, dyed dark to blend with the shadows. The metal chain links, woven in with leather strips to keep them silent, were similarly stained dark so there would be nothing for light to reflect from. He'd even fashioned himself a brand-new mask for the occasion to match his new armor. All in all, he looked the part. Now he just had to act the part.

He would have to pace himself. It would start with just a few here and there. But as those added up, people would start paying attention. Others would join in, and then more, and soon they would have a revolution on their hands.

Voices caught his attention, gravelly Hranite ones. He stopped at the next corner and took a careful look.

Three Hranites glared down at an unusually flat-nosed Nim woman, her tall and lanky frame looking almost short and stout compared to theirs. "I said, there's a passing tax on this street," one of the Hranites growled.

"I'm just trying to get home," the Nim pleaded, her bushy hair shaking.

Korel's heart sped up, and he had to focus to keep from launching himself into the middle of the street. He checked the other directions to make sure there weren't other Hranites around who would join the fight and outnumber him. The fewer numbers, the better he could bring them down before the Nim got hurt.

Satisfied that no other Hranites were near, he took in the area. Narrow street, no one else around now that the shops were closed, no signs of life from nearby windows, unlikely other people would witness the fight. There was a crate beside one of the buildings that could be useful tactically, but not much else.

"Please, just leave me alone!" the Nim cried.

This was it. He took a deep breath and stepped into the street, drawing both swords from his new leather sheaths. "Stand down, Hranites. Let her go."

They took him in, then laughed.

"You're the little Elf who tried to fight off our comrades last week," a female sneered. "Will you run from us, too, whelp?"

He slid into a fighting position. "Not a chance. Now let her go."

"Look at his feet! What a clown!" the one who'd first threatened the Nim laughed. "What are you going to do, dance for us?"

Korel's ears burned, but he kept his mouth shut. Yenda always said that saying nothing was better than opening your mouth and sounding the fool.

The man's sideways eyes darkened. "Fine." He grabbed the Nim by the neck and yanked her to him, drawing a squeak.

Korel's hands tightened on his blade hilts, but he could see in the man's eyes that the focus was on him, not the Nim.

The man jerked his head toward Korel. "Kill him."

The other two laughed and advanced, their own weapons ready.

Korel smiled. This was his element. Six people to one, no, he couldn't handle that. But two to one? If he could handle a wild trongial, then he could handle this.

The first Hranite swung wide and slow. Korel came up under the strike and sent the woman tumbling. The second one let out an angry cry and lunged, also too slow. Block, duck, slice. The Hranite fell dead.

Snarling, the Hranite holding the Nim shoved her roughly aside. She yelped as she hit the nearby wall and clung to it. The other remaining Hranite pulled herself back to her feet, wiping some blood off her skeletal mouth.

"You made a grave mistake, boy," the man growled.

Korel waited. He was surprised by how slowly they moved. Come to think of it, the other group of Hranites hadn't been that quick, either. He'd just been outnumbered and overwhelmed.

The woman charged with a yell, the man right behind her. Korel slid between them before they had a chance to swing and lunged backwards, catching them from behind, just like dealing with a trongial's forward charge. The woman fell, but the strike only grazed the man. He snarled again as he turned and raised his mace, but it was too late. Korel's blade was already buried in its target.

The Hranite blinked, then crumpled. Korel wiped his blades and sheathed them, feeling a rush of vindication.

The Nim stumbled forward, her sloped forehead looking shorter for her wide eyes staring at the Hranite bodies in horror. "What have you done? They'll kill the royal family for this!"

Excitement threatened to bubble over, but Korel suppressed it. He had decided there was a certain image he wanted to present along with his new armor. Calm and authoritative. Like the Tulvan, except better. "They already killed the royal family. It's a secret they'll do anything to keep."

She stared open-mouthed.

"Go home. Don't let yourself be seen."

She finally nodded and scurried away.

Pleased, Korel turned to move the bodies to a hidden area, but stopped. Why? Let the Hranites see that the people no longer feared them. He kicked one of the bodies on his way to the shadows of the alley. Let everyone see.

The streets were surprisingly quiet that night, to his disappointment. He confronted and dispatched a pair of Hranites near the edge of the trade district, and almost made it to the housing district before he found the next group, four on patrol. He debated, but all the others had been such slow fighters that he decided to try it.

Stepping into the street, he brandished his weapons. "Hold, Hranites. You are to leave our land at once."

The patrol stared at him for a moment before laughing. "You gonna make us?" one retorted.

Korel again took his position and waited.

"I think the fool just wants to dance," another snorted. "Come on, then, let's have a dance, you and me!" He pulled out a pair of axes and lunged forward.

And fell almost as soon as he reached Korel.

One of the other Hranites took a step backwards. "How's he so fast?" he whispered.

Korel almost snorted. He wasn't particularly fast, but these Hranites were shockingly slow. How had they taken the palace, fighting like this?

Another Hranite scowled. "With me!" All three promptly charged, weapons ready.

Korel parried the first two and dodged the third, recovering his footing in time to block a fresh strike from the first. A blow came in low toward his legs; he easily jumped and landed on the flat of the blade, knocking it from the woman's hand. He kicked, knocking her backwards out of the fight while simultaneously ducking two strikes from above.

"Go for help!" the leader panted, lunging again.

The woman scrambled to her feet and raced for the end of the alley.

Korel blocked the leader's attack with his right blade. He threw his sword from his left hand, catching her square in the back before she could sound any alarm. When he had more resistance fighters on his side, that would be the time to face the Hranites en masse. For now, he had to keep it quiet. He kicked the woman's fallen weapon up and caught it in his left hand, facing the last two enemies.

The leader cursed. "Run!"

Korel dropped the other one before he had a chance to turn, then threw the woman's blade after the fleeing leader. It winged the man, and he tumbled to the ground. Korel scowled under his mask. Cursed Hranite blade wasn't straight enough for a clean throw. He strode forward to stand over the leader.

"Don't kill me," the man pleaded. "Please, just let me go!"

Korel felt a strange sickness in the pit of his stomach. This was what he wanted, for the Hranites to fear for their lives the way Kenarans did. As wrong as the moment might feel, this was what had to be done. After all, nothing feels right in war.

"If you were me, would you grant mercy?" he demanded.

The Hranite hesitated. "Yes! Yes, of course I would. Please don't kill me."

"Liar," Korel spat, then dispatched the man.

The sick feeling grew as he retrieved his other blade and sheathed both his weapons. It had been one thing when he was fighting to protect the woman. This felt like something else. Something wrong.

"Nothing feels right in war," he muttered under his breath. He had to remember that, to keep it close in his mind. This was war. This was reclaiming their land from the Hranites, and there was no word for it but war.

Still, he found himself unwilling to continue for the night. It was a decent night's work, he rationalized as he crept his way back out of the city. The woman would hopefully tell others that someone was standing up to the Hranites. And the bodies would be discovered, sending a clear message. That was the important part.

He reached his hovel and cleaned his blades, feeling only a small knot in his stomach now. A good night's sleep should take care of that. He reached up to pull his mask off.

The door flew open. He spun, blades already back in hand.

Delahn held the door for the Nim woman Korel had rescued, along with a fair-skinned Elf man that Korel thought he recognized from the city but wasn't entirely sure. "Come in," Delahn invited casually.

Korel stared slack-jawed as Delahn closed the door behind the group. "What are you doing in my home?"

"Sorry for our intrusion," the Nim woman said, "but we didn't think it would be a good idea to stop you in the city and talk with you there."

We? In the city? "You were following me?"

"I had to know what you were doing with the fancy armor," Delahn shrugged.

"You saved me," the Nim said with a sweet, wide-mouthed smile. "I wanted to see what else you would do. And wow! You're an amazing fighter!"

"I saw you take out those four Hranites," the Elf said. "Four against one and you came out the victor? Then I saw these two following you and figured I'd join in."

Delahn had been following him the whole time? Korel felt incredibly stupid. Three people following him through the city without him noticing even once. So much for stealth.

"I'm Delahn, by the way. Local metalworker." The shorter Elf dipped his head politely toward the other two.

"Korvedan. I haven't been in the city for long, but I think I've heard your name around," the pale Elf replied. He was wiry, not looking like much of a fighter at all, but Korel could tell he had more skills than his frame and jittery nature suggested.

"I'm Sahnie," the Nim supplied. She turned the smile on Korel again. "What's your name, sir?"

He didn't answer.

"He's Korel," Delahn said cheerfully. "And don't ask about the mask; he's too ugly to let people see his face." He winked broadly. "Isn't that right?"

"Korel... Korvedan..." Sahnie scratched her head. "And wasn't there another Elf, Kor-something, back in the age of Tashan? Is that usual?"

"Oh yes," Korvedan bobbed his head. "The prefix 'kor' means 'Maker blessed' in the old language. Parents still use it to name their children, even though the suffix meanings are lost now."

Korel stared at the three. How could they be making such casual conversation? How could they barge into his home in the first place? He scrambled internally to regain that calm and authoritative composure. "You need to leave. All of you."

Sahnie looked hurt. "I'm sorry. We didn't mean to upset you."

"I understand your thinking," Delahn said. "We need to be rid of the Hranites' hold over us. But let's be clear—if the Hranites can prove the royal family is alive, I expect you to surrender side by side with me."

"And me," Korvedan added, running a nervous hand over his long hair and getting a finger caught in a snarl. "I—I mean, I'm not one for revolutions, but anything to get rid of these Hranites!"

"I can help, too," Sahnie said.

Korel eyed her. She was no fighter.

She seemed to understand his look. "I'm an herbalist. I can help you if you get hurt or anything." She gave him a tentative smile. "Please?"

The word 'no' sat on his lips, but he held it back. Wasn't this exactly what he wanted, for people to join in the revolution? To realize the Hranites had a false hold over the people and to fight back? These three were only the beginning; they would help him coax the spark and spread the fire.

"All right," he finally said. "You may join me tomorrow night."

"What an honor," Delahn snorted.

Korel gave him a look that he hoped was clear enough through the mask. "Gather what you need. Disguise yourself if you wish. Meet me here at sundown tomorrow."

"Done and done," Delahn said with a salute.

"I'll be here," Korvedan promised.

"Thank you!" Sahnie leaned down, gave Korel a quick peck on top of his head, and skipped out the door.

Korel scowled as they left, Delahn pulling the door shut with one final salute. He resisted the urge to wipe at his head where Sahnie kissed him. What did she think he was, a child? "They're helping the resistance," he muttered to himself. "This is a good thing."

Still, he couldn't shake the doubts about how helpful those three would actually be.

* * *

The next day, he spent most of his time training and preparing for the night ahead. There would be others with him now. He wanted to be in top form. His fighting prowess would only encourage them onward.

Around midday, he took a break and snuck closer to the city. He almost ran into a Hranite patrol at the edge of the city and barely managed to duck behind a tree before he was spotted. He tugged at the edge of his mask. The patrols had been increased, no doubt due to his work last night. He smiled. The Hranites were afraid now. As they should be.

As far as he could tell, few people were on the streets. That was less pleasing. Apparently the people were just as afraid. He spotted a Hranite patrol hassling an Elf man and wanted to rush in, but held himself back. Thankfully, the Hranites soon shoved the Elf on his way, and the Elf scurried to a nearby building and vanished inside.

Korel shook his head as he returned deeper into the forest. Patience, he reminded himself. Soon the people would realize they had nothing to fear. Soon they would rise up with him.

The sun seemed slower than usual as he wavered between excitement for the tiny but growing revolution and uncertainty that this would work. He distracted himself from those thoughts by thinking through strategies. Delahn's powerful frame would be good for fighting side by side with Korel. Korvedan looked wiry but fast, so he could watch the outside and make sure no one got away. Sahnie would be useless in a fight, so she'd have to stay inside the forest. She'd be ready there to patch them up if need be. But with three strong fighters, no doubt her skills wouldn't be needed.

Finally, sundown arrived. He dressed in his armor and waited. And waited. He drummed his fingers on his table, watching the door. What was keeping them? Maybe they hadn't been as devoted to the cause as he'd hoped. Maybe they got scared. No doubt the Hranites were in a stir after finding their fallen comrades.

The door popped open, and Delahn entered, shaking his head. "You could have chosen an easier place to find. We just about gave up before I finally asked Yenda for help."

"Yenda?" He hadn't wanted her involved. As much as he wanted more people for the revolution, it was too dangerous for her to be part of it yet.

"I only asked her for directions, don't worry," Delahn said. "I said we'd worked on a project, and I needed to bring it to you."

Korel looked behind his friend and saw no one. "The other two?"

"I left them hiding just inside the forest."

That would have been smart, Korel realized. He could find his way through the forest with ease, but the other three wouldn't know their way around like he did. And he didn't necessarily want people finding him here in his home. He hadn't thought this through at all.

"All right. Let's get going," he said roughly to cover his embarrassment.

"Mm-hmm. We're off to a great start," Delahn hummed.

"We'll be fine," Korel retorted. He closed up his home, wedging a small piece of bark into just the right spot to stay hidden and yet keep the door from opening, then led the way through the trees.

They found the other two sitting, waiting. Sahnie spotted them first and jumped to her feet. "We tried to find you, but—"

"We should've just met here," Korvedan grumbled.

"And we couldn't find the same path as before, and there really wasn't much of a path—"

"Or met in town, you know."

"It's fine," Delahn interrupted. "We're all together now, and that's what's important. Korel, where do we start?"

Korel took a look over the group. Delahn had opted for heavy hood that shadowed his face, as had Korvedan. The smaller man had a sword at his side, and Delahn carried a massive two-handed hammer on his back. Sahnie wore a delicate lacy veil over her face that didn't obscure her appearance at all, and a clunky satchel hung at her side. "All right. Delahn, you'll be fighting up close with me. Korvedan, keep a distance and watch for any trying to flee. Sahnie, you'll stay here so we can return to you if we need your help."

"I thought I would be fighting up close," Korvedan protested.

"What? Stay here?" Sahnie stared in shock. "But I want to be with you and help!" She drew a dagger. "See? I brought weapons and everything."

"You can't be up close to the fighting. You'll be in danger," Korel told her.

She pursed her lips, then spun the dagger in her fingers and threw it faster than he could track. It stuck solidly in the tree behind him. She folded her arms and gave him a satisfied look. "See?"

"There, Sahnie can watch the outside, and I'll fight up close with you," Korvedan said.

Korel turned to pull the dagger out of the tree. It took three tries before he managed to get it unstuck. He had to admit, it was a solid throw. "Sahnie, I don't think you should be that close to the fighting."

"I won't be. I'll be watching the outside, remember?"

"It's a solid plan," Delahn said. "Korvedan and I will fight up close with you, and Sahnie will watch for anyone fleeing. Now let's go. We're wasting daylight—night—I mean, we're wasting time here."

Korel frowned. He didn't like this, but as he thought about it, he realized the only objection he had was that it felt like Delahn was taking over. "Right. You two with me, and Sahnie watching..." He thought. "We'll help you up to a nearby rooftop. Then you'll stay safe, but be able to watch for anyone fleeing. Unless that's too far for your throws," he added.

"It won't be," she said imperiously. "I told you I can do it."

"All right, fine. Let's get going."

"Yay!" Sahnie grinned.

It wasn't exactly the battle cry he would have chosen, but oh well. He led the way into the streets. Korvedan clanked with nearly every step, much to Korel's chagrin. They crept as best as they could regardless, watching carefully for any patrols.

"Ahead," Delahn whispered, jerking his head toward the next corner. Sure enough, raised voices came from that direction.

Korel took a careful look. Seven Hranites walked the street, scowling and peering at every corner. Looking for him, no doubt. He couldn't help the swell of pride. He'd struck enough fear into them to force larger patrol groups.

"They outnumber us," Korvedan whispered a little too loudly.

"True, but with three of us, we can take them," Korel whispered, modeling how low their voices should be. "They're slow fighters."

"Okay," Delahn nodded and hefted his massive hammer. "If you're sure, then I'm ready."

"Me, too," Sahnie and Korvedan agreed.

"How many daggers do you have?" Korel asked Sahnie, realizing he should have asked that sooner.

"Ten."

Enough. "Let's get you up on the roof." Korel and Delahn helped her up, making more noise than they should have.

"Shh!" the hiss came loudly from the Hranites. The sounds of the patrol dropped.

Korel exchanged looks with Delahn and readied his blades. He glanced at Korvedan and nodded to verify the man was ready.

Korvedan jumped out into the open, completely misunderstanding the meaning of the look. "Stand down, Hranites!"

Korel bit back a curse and followed the smaller man out, Delahn at his side.

The Hranites responded immediately. One bolted, blowing a horn. The rest drew weapons and charged.

Korel briefly saw the fleeing one stagger and fall, a dagger in her shoulder. Trusting Sahnie would take care of the rest, he lunged, going for a low strike on the first one to reach them. He sensed something from behind and spun, barely dodging beneath Delahn's high strike that came far too close to Korel's head.

"Watch out!" Delahn grunted, hefting the hammer for another swing.

Korel ducked lower and darted to the side, getting out of his friend's range and engaging the next two Hranites. He dodged a strike and landed a glancing blow on the other enemy. He raised his arm for the next blow and felt a stinging pain in his arm. He darted out of range of the two as he spun to face the new enemy. No one stood behind him, but one of Sahnie's daggers stuck in the back of his arm. He cursed and yanked it out before reengaging.

Shouts came from further down the street. The horn blast had drawn more Hranites to the fight.

Korel scowled and fought faster. The more they could get rid of before the reinforcements arrived, the better. He landed a solid blow on one and spun to the next. His blade crossed up with another, and he twisted to see a cringing Korvedan.

"Sorry!" the wiry man yelped.

A Hranite swung on Korvedan, and Korel lunged to parry before Korvedan lost his head. He felt a bite in his leg and looked down, expecting to see another dagger there, but it was a Hranite longblade instead. He knocked it aside and drove the Hranite back until he could get a clear shot.

More Hranites flooded into the fight. Korel took a step back, mind racing. This was a mess. He'd envisioned the three of them fighting side by side, and instead they kept running into each other. He had no idea if Sahnie was even paying attention anymore, but it didn't seem like she was doing anything useful.

Delahn knocked a Hranite back several paces, then glanced at Korel. Korel could tell his friend had the same thought.

"Let's go," Korel spat, disgusted.

"Yeah!" Delahn roared and lunged forward to meet the next wave of Hranites.

They hadn't had the same thought at all. Korel cursed again and charged after his friend.

The Hranites were blowing more horns. Even more reinforcements would be coming. There was no way they could face so many, especially not as terribly they were fighting.

Korel caught Delahn's arm and pulled him back. "Retreat!"

Korvedan bolted ahead of them. Delahn almost tripped over his own feet in the sudden change of direction, but he managed to regain his balance and run along beside Korel. Korel glanced back and saw Sahnie slide off the back end of the roof, apparently having found her own way down. Soon she was right behind them.

Thankfully, the others did a better job of coordinating a retreat than a fight. They followed Korel's lead through the streets, weaving one way and another. Delahn got ahead and led the way around an even more convoluted route. Soon the sounds of chase began to fade.

"You better run!" a Hranite voice called after them. "We're going to send word to the Tower, and they're going to punish your precious royals for your actions. I think they'll send back one of the children's hands!"

Korel saw red. He wanted to spin and take down the Hranites, alone if he had to. But he couldn't, and he felt sick for that.

They finally slowed, panting, once they were confident the chase was over.

Korel scowled at Sahnie. "You want to tell me why you decided to throw a dagger in my arm?"

She glared at him through the veil. "It's not my fault I hit you. You raised your arm right in front of that Hranite!"

"You should've been watching for which direction I was going," he retorted. "That whole fight was an absolute mess!"

"It would've been better if you hadn't swung right where I was swinging," Korvedan grumbled.

"Maybe you could have tried not taking my head off," Korel snapped at Delahn.

"Maybe if you duck low, you should try not jumping right back up," Delahn scowled back.

"And now they're going to hurt the royal family." Korvedan pressed his hands over his face. "It's all our fault!"

"His fault." Delahn glared at Korel.

"Stop it, all of you!" Sahnie waved her hands.

"Not like you were much help, yourself," Korel grunted.

"No, stop!" She lowered her voice and pointed toward the street beyond them. "I hear something!"

They quieted instantly. Sure enough, some Hranites were talking, and not too far away, either. Korel's ears burned; his sensitive hearing should have picked that up long before Sahnie did, but he'd been too busy snarling at the others.

Delahn jerked his head toward the sound. "We could take a look."

"After that munkbrained mess?" Korel snorted.

"We should at least scout," Korvedan supplied. "Maybe those Hranites are passing on a report. We should listen. Maybe they were just bluffing about the royal family."

It was a good point. If these Hranites were responding to the fight, they might be talking about their plans. Korel finally nodded. "Quietly. We don't want them spotting us."

They crept closer to the sounds. Korel wasn't usually this far in the city, but it wasn't too hard to orient himself. They were near the storehouses, and the Hranites were on the main road running from Innsbrooke all the way south to the coast.

A less gravelly voice came from the road—not a Hranite. "You are not to detain me. I am an official messenger from Innsbrooke with news for the Tower. Allow me through." The female voice was imperious and commanding despite the creak of old age. It sounded like she was a grand elder, well advanced in age and wisdom.

And working for the Hranites. Anger and bile rose in Korel, and he took a cautious peek around the corner.

A silver-haired Kadrian waved an official seal in the Hranites' faces, a haughty expression marking her features in direct contrast to the smile lines around her eyes. Even leaning on a well-gnarled cane, she was only slightly dwarfed by the eight Hranites surrounding her. Different Hranites, not the ones that had chased Korel and his companions.

"What's the message, then?"

"How would I know? It's sealed, and it's directly from High Commander Ellsichk to Prime Chancellor Gullat, at the Tower. Now, kindly direct me to Luvis and let me pass."

Korel felt another surge of bile. The city of Luvis. The one to the southwest, some distance off the main road and nestled directly beside the Wall separating Kenara from the Hranite land of Ebrun. The city where the Hranites had broken through the Wall.

"If it's that important, then we will take it ourselves." One of the Hranites held out her hand. "Give it here."

"I will not." The Kadrian remained imperious, even disdainful. "Unless you have a messenger's seal, you will not be permitted before the Prime Chancellor. How is it you don't know such a simple fact about your own people?" Her voice dripped with derision.

Korel scowled. Unbecoming behavior from such a grand elder. But clearly honor had little meaning to her, given her choice to work in cooperation with the enemy.

"Then give us the seal," the Hranite retorted. She grabbed the seal from the elder while another grabbed the message.

The leader snatched the message from the other's hand and opened it. "What is this gibberish?"

"Of course the Commander wouldn't write it in the common language." The Kadrian's voice was still marked with contempt. "It's an older language, known only to the highest in command. Now return those to me and direct me to Luvis at once."

"I don't like the way this one speaks to us. I think she's got delusions of being better than us. Don't you?" The Hranite gave her comrades a look.

"Yeah," the others agreed instantly. "Uppity."

"Unwise for some old bag of bones to talk to us like that," the main one continued.

Korel had another flash of red. How dare the Hranites talk to a grand elder like that? He paused, suddenly unsure if he was for the older woman or against her.

"I really don't care if your feelings are hurt by how I speak," the Kadrian snipped. "Return to me the seal and message immediately or answer to your commander."

"How will the commander know anything about this?" the Hranite retorted. The rest of the Hranites shifted forward, drawing tightly around the older woman in a menacing way.

The Kadrian's eyes flicked from one to another. "Threats will hardly get you anywhere."

"It's not a threat, old woman." The leader yanked out a sword.

Delahn shouted as he charged straight past Korel.

Korel jumped, startled, then joined his friend in the charge. Regardless of the grand elder's choices, they couldn't stand by and watch the Hranites murder her.

A dagger whizzed past him, sinking into one of the Hranites. The one with a horn strapped to his side, Korel noticed. Sahnie was improving.

The Hranites faced them, yanking out their weapons. It was too late for the leader, already knocked halfway down the street by Delahn's blow. Another Hranite swung for the stout metalworker, and Korel blocked the strike at the same time Korvedan did, tangling their swords once again.

"Watch it!" Korel yanked his sword free and darted around, catching the Hranite off-balance. Down, and on to the next one.

The Kadrian smacked one of the Hranites on the head with her cane, then darted free with surprising dexterity and retrieved her seal and message from the fallen leader.

"No, you don't!" One of the other Hranites charged after her, axe flashing in his hand.

Korel took down another and made a quick assessment. Only four remained. "Stay on them!" he barked to the others before dashing after the Kadrian and Hranite.

The Hranite knocked into the older woman, sending her stumbling into the adjacent alley. She landed hard against the wall.

Korel barely managed to reach them in time to block the Hranite's swing. "Stand down, monster!"

The Hranite laughed and swung for the grand elder again.

Korel scrambled to block, but the Hranite changed direction at the last moment. The axe blade caught Korel across the chest, only barely held back by the armor, followed immediately by a punch to the face.

Korel reeled backwards and smacked into the opposite wall. Stunned, he tried to raise his blades, but the Hranite knocked them aside.

"Help!" the Kadrian called, but Korel knew it was too late. There was no way the others were close enough to make any difference. He and the woman were going to die.

Chapter 3

Korel raised his arms to try to block the incoming blow, but he already knew it was too late. The Hranite knew it, too, and he laughed as he brought his axe down.

The Kadrian closed her eyes. A brick shot out of the wall from above Korel's head, smashing into the Hranite's face hard enough to knock him clear across the alley. He crumpled to the ground at the same time as the Kadrian. She landed on her hands and knees, coughing blood on the dirt.

Distant shouts. Their fight had attracted attention. Korel pulled the grand elder to her feet and out of the alley. It looked like one of the remaining Hranites had fled and one had fallen. Delahn, Korel, and Sahnie worked to take down the last two, about as clumsily as in the previous fight.

Korel flung one of his blades, aiming high, and caught one of the two remaining Hranites. It didn't take his comrades long to dispatch the last one.

"Come on!" Korel barked, retrieving his blade. They ran through the side alleys again. Korel's heart pounded. The Kadrian wouldn't be able to run for long. Where could they hide?

"Here," Delahn said, shoving a door open. They hurried after him into the large storehouse without asking any questions.

Korvedan slammed the door shut after them and pressed an ear against it while Delahn joined Korel in supporting the grand elder. She was coughing again, into her sleeve now.

"Omaht, are you hurt?" Sahnie used the Nim word for a grandparent as she guided them to help the grand elder sit on a nearby crate.

The Kadrian waved a dismissive hand, though she looked paler than she had on the road. "Some water, if you would be so kind. Magic is a great boon—that is, until it becomes too much power for an aging frame to manage."

"Here." Sahnie dug into her satchel and drew out a waterskin.

"You're an herbalist?" the grand elder asked, eyeing the satchel. She no longer spoke with the haughty manner she'd used with the Hranites, though her tone still held a distinctive note of authority.

"Yes, Omaht."

"Would you happen to have a grev leaf? I've been watching for any as I've traveled, but haven't come across any close to the main road. I'd be most grateful for one, if you please."

Sahnie dug into her bag, but Korvedan caught her arm. "What's that do?"

"It's harmless," Sahnie said. "It isn't good for much on its own except maybe a little energy."

"Will it help her use magic?" The wiry man sounded on edge.

Korel frowned. He hadn't run into an Elf suspicious of magic users in all his life, though he knew some still existed. "I don't think—"

"Don't be silly," Sahnie said, handing over the leaf. The Kadrian took it and chewed on it, color already returning to her fair face.

"I only mean for our safety here," Korvedan clarified. He gave the grand elder a slight bow. "Forgive me, raisa-da, but..." He drew his sword and pointed it at her. "We will take your seal and message now."

Sahnie gasped. "Korvedan!"

"See here," Delahn sputtered. "She's an unarmed raisa-da!"

The older woman raised an eyebrow, seemingly not too surprised by Korvedan's actions. She lifted her cane and lightly bumped the gnarled top against Korvedan's sword, gently pushing it aside. "Clearly you outnumber and outmatch me, so there's no call for overt threats. Let's approach this in a more civilized manner, shall we? Why don't you start by telling me why you want those items."

Korel glanced at Korvedan, unsure how to feel. Threatening a woman—an unarmed woman—an unarmed _grand elder_ woman—was despicable. At the same time, she was a Hranite collaborator. They needed to find out what she knew, and if this message was really that urgent, then stopping it would sabotage the Hranites' work.

The grand elder lowered her cane and rested her hands on it, waiting patiently.

"Well, we..." Korvedan looked at the others.

"We work with the Hranites, too," Korel blurted. "We want to be the ones who bring the message to the Tower. Just like those Hranites did."

"Then it seems a waste of time and effort to rescue me when you could have easily retrieved the message yourselves after I was dead. Not to say I don't appreciate your actions."

"Of course we couldn't let them harm a grand elder," Delahn protested.

"Of course; how silly of me." She gave him a gracious smile.

"Now give us the message and seal, and we'll let you go free," Korel ordered, hoping he sounded commanding enough. He couldn't shake the feeling that despite being outnumbered, the Kadrian had more control over the situation than any of them did.

"Very well. I only need your company number and commander's name."

Korvedan and Korel looked at each other blankly.

"You have been briefed on the latest protocol, haven't you?" She sighed, an almost impatient sound. "I need that information for my report so that if you lose the message, they'll be able to track down those responsible."

"Um..." Korel thought as fast as he could. "Our commander's name is... Hiven. And our company number is five-two-three."

She raised an eyebrow and waited, clearly expecting more.

"...six...four...three..."

Finally she looked satisfied. "Very good. And," she stood, "no, I won't be giving you the message. Next time, try to be more believable if you're going to lie about working with the Hranites."

"We're not lying," Korvedan attempted lamely.

"I'm afraid you're very poor liars, my dears. It was a marvelous attempt on your part, though." She straightened her tunic. "Now, if you would kindly direct me toward Luvis?"

"I'm very sorry, raisa-da," Delahn said, "but we can't let you leave with that message."

"I imagined not." Now she just sounded amused, much to Korel's annoyance.

He ditched the act. "We are going to end the Hranites' reign of terror over our land. They clearly have already killed the royal family but are lying to keep the Kenarans from uprising. We intend to change that, and you can go back to the Prime Chancellor and tell him so. But we will take that message, and you _will_ tell us what it says."

"That I do believe to be truth. Nice and forceful. Well done." She sat back down, tucking one leg behind the other. "Have the message, but I'll keep the seal." She chuckled. "I can always write the message again, though I grant it will be a challenge to find the correct parchment out here."

Startled, Korel exchanged glances with the others again. "You wrote this? I thought you said the High Commander wrote it in a special language only the leaders knew." He hesitated, uncertain about the implications of that statement and a little afraid of what it might mean.

"I'm familiar enough to write it." She handed over the message. "There you are."

"We need to know what's in it, especially if you're going to just write it again," Korvedan demanded.

The grand elder leaned back, assessing them in a steady, calm way. She smiled. "You're devoted, I'll give you that."

Korvedan seethed. "Forgive me, raisa-da," he said, "but I will kill you if that's what it takes."

"Korvedan!" Delahn glared.

"She's working with the Hranites, and she's going to go deliver some important message to the Tower. We at least have to know what that message is if we're going to let her go free."

"Please," Sahnie pleaded, "we can't hurt her." She knelt beside the grand elder. "Please, Omaht, just tell us what's in the message."

The Kadrian faced the younger woman, and her smile warmed. "Sweet child. You have a good heart." She leaned forward and kissed Sahnie's head. "For you, I'll tell what's in the message."

Leaning back, the grand elder rested a hand on her cane and took on an expression of vague amusement again. "It's the recipe for the best sweet-glazed hardrolls I've ever tasted."

Korel stopped and looked at the others. "What?"

"Why would the Tower need that?" Delahn asked.

"She must be lying... right?" Korvedan said.

Sahnie stared up at the grand elder, then her eyes grew wide. "You're—you—you can't be!"

The look of amusement grew.

"Who? What?" Korel demanded. "What are you talking about?"

"It's her!" Sahnie leapt to her feet and covered her mouth with both hands. "She's her!" Her eyes widened, and she swiveled to stare at Korvedan in unbridled horror. "You threatened her!"

"She's working with the Hranites!" he retorted defensively.

"Who is she? Would you stop and explain already?" Korel pressed.

Sahnie kept staring, wide-eyed. "Princess Tashan."

"What? No, she can't be!" Korvedan stared.

"She's not..." Delahn stared, too.

"What..." Korel couldn't even finish his sentence.

"No, I'm not," the grand elder said.

Korel relaxed.

"The princess is Koleatara, my daughter. I'm Lady Tash now, advisor to the throne."

Korel's jaw dropped. He stared at the Kadrian, unable to comprehend. He stared at the way she sat, the tilt to her head, the authority and humor in her monolid eyes—crinkled with age but unmistakable now that he realized—the gentle smile... all just like the copies he'd seen of the grand portrait in the Great Hall...

"Raisa-daro," he managed to choke out, dropping to one knee.

Korvedan's weapon clattered to the floor, and he fell to his knees. "Forgive me, raisa-daro!"

"All of us," Delahn was quick to add as he, too, dropped.

"Milady." Sahnie attempted an awkward curtsy, her gangly legs nearly getting tangled with each other.

"Please, there's no call for that." Lady Tash gestured to coax them back upright. When that failed, she smiled with a twinkle in her eye. "You aren't going to make an old woman stand up to pull you to your feet, are you?"

The three Elf men sprang back upright, speaking over each other to insist she remain seated.

Sahnie managed to untangle her legs without falling over. "Please, let me make you a tea, milady. Were you hurt badly? You must need more than a grev leaf."

"Not at all. I'm back to my old self already, so to speak." She chuckled mildly at her own joke. "Magic use is no longer something I can manage without consequences, but those are thankfully easy enough to remedy, so long as I don't overdo things."

"Raisa-daro, you shouldn't have done that for my sake." Korel bowed again, returning upright quickly so she wouldn't think she had to stand. "I would have been honored to die for you."

"Nonsense. We both lived; that's the most desirable outcome." She eyed them all. "And while I am deeply honored by the exalted titles you deem me worthy of, I must ask that you leave them aside. I would prefer people not see me as anyone of importance."

"But you're of great importance," Delahn protested.

She held up a hand before anyone else could speak. "Thank you kindly, my dear, but I have no desire to draw attention, especially not from Hranites. Special attention from you will only lead to questions about who I am. Raisa-da and Omaht will be more than enough honor, thank you."

"Of course. Please, forgive us," Korel said.

"Verbal bowing and scraping will hardly do, either."

He glanced up, startled, but she had a mischievous glint to her eyes. He blushed and nodded. "Yes, raisa-da."

"How did you escape when the palace fell?" Sahnie asked.

"How are you here now?" Delahn added.

"Where are you going? We will help you however we can," Korvedan supplied.

"Why are you carrying a sweet-glazed hardroll recipe as a message to the Tower?" Korel asked.

Lady Tash raised her hands again. "A moment, and I'll tell you the story." She took a long drink of water and cleared her throat. "Maker bless the Hranites, they have no interest in any history but their own. They took the royal family prisoner, but saw no need to take an aged advisor with them. I've been acting as a servant in the palace for the last four years."

They all bristled in shock and indignation, but she cut them off before they could fully voice their outrage. "It's given me ample opportunities to learn about them, their strategies, and their plans. And plenty of time to master a copy of their official messenger seal, which must be made in a specific way of very particular materials. Escaping was the easiest part; they have little concern for servants, much less for a withered old woman."

"They have no honor, no respect for their venerated elders," Delahn spat.

"Which is what saved me much trouble," she countered. "I understand it offends your sensibilities, but in this case, it was greatly beneficial." She took another drink. "As to where I'm going and the reasoning behind the recipe," she shot a wink in Korel's direction, "I am going to rescue my family from the Tower. The message is simply so I have something in hand to complete my deception as a messenger."

"You're traveling to the Tower? Alone?" Korel asked, shocked.

"We can't let you," Delahn said.

"I will grant that it seems I overestimated my plan. I didn't think the Hranites might try to take the message themselves. Foolish on my part; there's a heavy emphasis on competition and position in their culture. I'm sure they won't be the last group to strive for the honored position of delivering the 'important message' to the Tower." She shook her head. "I know they leave the Hranite messengers untouched, but I failed to see that a non-Hranite might not be granted the same protection."

Korel glanced at the others. "Raisa-daro—I mean, raisa-da—I fear we haven't heard anything of your family for years. We believe your family is no longer alive. It's why we chose to begin a resistance against the Hranites, as they no longer hold a threat to the royal family."

"I assure you, they are still alive."

Korel felt the blood drain from his face. He choked, horror flooding his system and blotting out all else in a flash. He'd believed, he'd been so certain, they were dead and his actions were justified... The thought of what harm he could have done—might have already done—staggered him.

Lady Tash continued. "The Hranites might not be parading the knowledge any longer, but in the palace, evidence of their captivity still comes through on a regular basis."

"We put them at risk," Sahnie squeaked, covering her mouth in horror.

Delahn dropped to a knee again. "Forgive us, raisa-da. If we'd had any idea—"

"It was a reasonable assumption," Lady Tash replied gently. "I know they are alive, but you had no way of knowing. Now I only need to find a new way to reach them."

"Let us take you," Sahnie said before the others had a chance to say the same.

Lady Tash eyed them. "I can't ask it of you. It'll be dangerous, especially going into Ebrun, where we'll stand out as foreigners."

"You don't need to ask it of us. We insist." Korel folded his arms, trying his best to look and sound commanding.

She smiled. "Thank you. I'm honored."

"The honor is ours," Delahn insisted.

"Then it's settled. We're all honored. Now, logistics." She rested both hands on her cane. "The supplies I was able to gather won't be enough to sustain all of us for the journey, so we'll need to find more."

"We can gather plenty on our own," Korel said. "We'll find a safe place for you to rest, and we'll return as soon as we get what's needed."

"I'll wait here," Lady Tash replied. "I'm comfortable enough. And I'd rather not delay. The more we can travel at night, the better."

"We'll be quick," Delahn promised. "I've got nearly enough for all of us stocked away in my shop."

"And I have plenty at home, too," Korvedan supplied.

"I have some, at least," Sahnie chimed in.

"One of us should stay here to keep guard." Korel glanced toward the door. "They're likely still looking for us."

Delahn nodded. "You stay. We'll be back with enough for everyone." He removed his heavy hood and gestured for Korvedan to do the same. "We best not fit the description of who they're looking for."

Sahnie also removed her veil. "Be careful, all of you."

Korvedan nodded, then addressed Lady Tash. "We'll be back as soon as we can."

Once the others had sneaked clear of the building, Korel closed the door and took his position beside it, carefully listening for sounds outside. He found himself frequently glancing back toward Lady Tash, more often as time went by.

"Ask," she said.

Startled, he looked at her again. "What?"

"Whatever question is burning your mind—or questions—ask."

"You really were a servant?"

"Yes."

"How could you stand it, working as a servant for them?"

"I won't claim it was easy, but it was what needed to be done. Maker made certain it wasn't for nothing."

"And they had no idea, all these years, it was you?"

She smiled. "None whatsoever."

He smiled, too, then realized she wouldn't see the gesture through the mask. She hadn't said anything about it, even though they'd long been in a safe area where he could have removed it. She must be curious. "Is there anything you wanted to ask me?"

"It would be insufficient to ask you how difficult life has been under Hranite rule. I know it must be horrific. I only hope you've found some way to make it through." A light lift at the end hinted at a question.

"I'm not exactly in the middle of society." He picked at the edge of his mask self-consciously before he caught himself and stopped. "I mean, I'm not usually where a lot of people notice me, so I haven't had it as hard as others."

"I'm glad to hear it."

He picked at the edge of the mask again before finally giving in to the impulse. "You must want to ask me about my mask."

"No."

"Really?"

"I'm happy to hear about it if you want, but no one wears a mask without reason. I trust you have your reasons, and it's not my business to pry." She coughed and took another drink from the waterskin.

He paused to listen at the door a moment longer, then sat down on a crate near her, leaning in. "Did you really rebuild the wall by yourself and smash the old wall down on the entire Hranite army?"

Lady Tash let out a throaty laugh. "I do believe that story has been stretched quite a bit since I lived it."

By the time the others returned, Korel was so enthralled by Lady Tash's stories that he almost missed noticing when the door opened. He jumped to his feet.

"Nice guard," Delahn said.

"I'm afraid I kept him quite distracted." Lady Tash surveyed the others as they hurried in and shut the door behind them. "Did you have any trouble?"

"There are more Hranites out there, but I pretended to be lost and scared. They sent me on my way," Sahnie said.

"I was able to avoid them easily enough," Korvedan bragged.

"I told them I was on my way back to work because there's a big order from their commander that has to be ready tomorrow." Delahn grinned. "They don't like to hold up anything their commander expects done on time."

"Yeah, because then they might get in trouble," Korvedan snickered.

Sahnie shivered. "I've heard the things they do to each other as punishment. It's just awful."

"Then we're ready?" Lady Tash pushed herself to her feet.

Delahn slung a bag Korel's way. "Here, ugly. Should be more than enough for your skinny bones."

Lady Tash raised an eyebrow.

"He's teasing." Korel felt the need to explain. "He's sure the mask must be because I'm hideous or something."

"It isn't?" Korvedan asked, winking and chortling a little too obviously to make the joke funny.

"I'm pretty sure we're ready," Sahnie said, as if to call them back to focus.

Korel cleared his throat. He needed to reclaim leadership before things fell apart. "Then let's go. Korvedan, scout ahead. Delahn, take the rear."

The other two men nodded, Delahn adding a salute.

Korel stayed to the middle of the group, watching closely as they set out. Going in a larger group would be trickier than when the three others went for supplies alone, since it was a group the Hranites were looking for. The addition of a Kadrian grand elder wouldn't help, and even though the others had removed their hoods and veil, Korel's mask and armor would be easily recognizable. Taking the mask off would be the better tactical choice, but it wasn't an option.

On the upside, they were moving fairly smoothly as a group. And now that Lady Tash had her strength back, Korel could see that the cane was more of a prop than a necessity; she moved with relative ease, keeping the cane slightly off the ground to minimize their traveling noise.

Korvedan signaled, and they all came to a quick stop, though Sahnie bumped into Korel before she managed to fully cease momentum. Hranite voices came closer, then faded.

Finally, Korvedan signaled for them to move again. Korel let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He started to move when Korvedan abruptly shoved them backwards again. This time Sahnie ran into Lady Tash with profuse whispered apologies. Delahn shushed the Nim at the same time as Korel, and then Korvedan shushed them all.

More voices, closer this time. And getting closer still.

"What are you doing?" came a whispered voice behind them.

Korel jumped and spun to see Yenda staring at him in confusion. She looked across the others, then back to him, questions in her eyes.

He pressed a finger against his lips and beckoned her into the shadows of the wall they hid against. "We have to get out of the city." He paused and glanced back at the street. The voices were getting even closer. He waved for her to press against the wall beside him. Thoughts raced through his mind. Sahnie was an herbalist, but a true healer would be far better. "Come with us. We're going to rescue the royal family."

"That's crazy!"

He nodded toward Lady Tash. "She's Princess Tashan."

Yenda's jaw dropped. "She—"

"Shh!" Korvedan hissed.

Yenda leaned closer and lowered her voice so he could barely hear it. "I can't go."

"We need you."

"I can't. They'll notice I'm gone. The Hranites like having a personal healer around to take care of their scrapes and bruises. They'll come hunting me down if I disappear." She paused. "But I _can_ help you." She spun and hurried the opposite way out of the alley.

The Hranites stopped. "You hear something?" one of them asked.

"Over here," another grunted, and the steps drew nearer.

Korel gripped his blade hilts. He didn't want another disaster like before, but it might be their only option.

A shriek came from the street behind the Hranites. "Help!" Yenda's voice, sounding out of breath. "Help! These awful people in masks just tried to attack me!"

"In masks?" The Hranites moved away, heading for Yenda.

Korel scrambled to the edge of the building, pushing Korvedan out of the way. He peered around the corner.

Yenda pointed behind herself, away from Korel and his companions. "They ran off when I started screaming. I thought they were going to kill me!"

One of them pulled her aside, showing surprising protectiveness in an almost gentle way. "I'll see her back to safety."

The others nodded and took off down the street.

"Thank you," Yenda said, a little too loudly. She patted the Hranite's arm. "They tried to pull me away, out of the city. I would never want to leave. I'm glad to be able to help how I can here." Out of the Hranite's view, she shot a look back at the alley, raising her voice further. "And I know I'm perfectly safe right where I am."

"Of course you are," the Hranite soothed as he led her away.

Korel started forward, but Delahn caught his arm. "Listen to her, brother. She's right. They'd notice if she left, but she's safe staying here."

"She bought us time. We need to go," Lady Tash said.

Korel hated the thought of leaving Yenda behind with the Hranites, but logic won out. The Hranites would never let their prized healer get away, but they also would never let her come to harm. She was safe. "Let's go."

He let Korvedan take the lead again and watched closely for signs of Hranites as they resumed their hurry through the streets. It seemed Yenda's diversion had worked; they encountered no further Hranites as they wove their way out of the city and disappeared into the Great Forest.

They stayed quiet, going slowly at first to navigate in the blanketing darkness of the intertwining trees. Korel had little trouble, and he kept having to remind himself to slow down for the others. Once they were deep enough in to chance some light, Delahn and Korvedan lit muted lanterns, allowing them to go faster, even more so as they clustered into a group rather than a marching line.

Korel stayed toward the back, keeping an ear tuned behind them. He couldn't help feeling like they were being watched or followed, but it was likely his fear that the Hranites were in pursuit. Still, it would be easier for him to fight here in the forest, his natural environment. It'd be easier for him to avoid the others, too, with their clumsy fighting. Delahn he understood; the stout man with his weighty hammer couldn't be expected to be nimble. But Korvedan seemed almost as slow as the Hranites despite only fighting with a single blade. It was surprising.

A chill hit the back of his neck, and he glanced behind himself. Nothing but trees. He was probably picking up on some quiet sounds of a nocturnal animal, perhaps a braybun skittering for food in the near distance.

Satisfied, he turned back around and saw movement in the corner of his eye. He spun, drawing his blades in the same movement and bringing them to bear on the figure beside him.

The Tulvan who'd saved him before eyed him and his weapons. Even in the dim lighting, her unimpressed expression was clear.

The others turned, startled. Delahn scrambled to yank out his hammer while Korvedan drew his sword. Sahnie squeaked and almost fell over herself stepping backwards.

Lady Tash smiled warmly. "Luda. I didn't think any of the palace guards made it out."

The Tulvan—Luda—pressed a fist against her chest in salute. "Milady."

Korel kept his weapons on her, though something inside him knew they would do little good if she decided to attack. "You two know each other?"

The unimpressed look deepened.

"She was one of the palace guards for many years prior to the invasion," Lady Tash said, taking both of Luda's hands in her own as a gesture of welcome. "I feared you dead along with the others."

"I escaped." She looked down. "I was a coward." The words seemed to indicate shame, but her flat tone barely changed.

"You did what you had to," the elderly Kadrian replied, compassion in her voice.

"I hope to redeem myself. I will go with you and offer whatever aid I may."

Korel frowned. "I thought you said you wouldn't help me."

Luda eyed him. "I'm not here to help _you_."

Lady Tash cleared her throat, almost looking amused again. "I dare say we all have the same goal now, and that makes us allies, yes?"

"Indeed."

Korel gave one last frown before nodding, glad his expression didn't show through his mask. On impulse, he made a quick face at the Tulvan.

"I saw that."

Lady Tash outright chuckled this time, turning and pressing a hand against one of the dimly lit trees around them. "We'd best be on our way. I'd like to get as far as we can before we have to stop and rest."

"Omaht, do you need anything for strength?" Sahnie offered. "I have some more grev leaves, if that would help."

"The grev helps after magic use, but otherwise is unnecessary. Thank you, child. These old bones can still manage a bit longer." Lady Tash leaned on her cane and nodded them onward.

They moved on in relative silence. Luda wandered, sometimes in the midst of the group and sometimes unseen. Korel liked it better when she stayed further away. He still hadn't quite forgiven her for the way she'd talked to him before. But Lady Tash trusted the Tulvan, and Luda's fighting skills could only help the group, especially with how poorly they fought together. He just had to accept that she was part of this group now.

Hours dragged past before Korel realized that everyone else had slowed considerably. Sahnie kept yawning, and Lady Tash leaned on the cane heavily. Delahn and Korvedan stumbled over roots. Luda was somewhere else, but he had a feeling she was the only one other than him without a problem. "I think it might be time to stop and rest," he said.

"There's more time left before sunrise," Luda said from behind, startling him so much he thought he might have to peel himself off the tree branches above.

He took a deep breath. "Yes, but we're not going to make it much farther if we keep going." He nodded his head toward the others.

The Tulvan assessed the group before going back to her usual survey of the area around them. "Very well. I'll keep watch."

"I'll take the first watch," Korel countered as the others settled down, pulling out some food and water.

Luda eyed him, then nodded, grabbed a piece of dried meat out of Delahn's hand, and disappeared up the nearest tree.

"Right, then." Delahn stared at his empty hand, then dug out a new piece. He handed some to Korel as well.

As the others finished their meal and settled in to sleep, Korel started a perimeter around the group, keeping a hefty margin. It was his job to keep them safe, and he wasn't about to slack in his duties.

Near the end of his watch, distant noises caught his ear. He worked his way around the perimeter toward the sound, careful to stay behind trees and watch for movement. Soon, he spotted movement ahead, and the sounds distinguished into voices.

Hranites, speaking in their guttural tongue. And coming closer.

Chapter 4

Korel drew his blades as quietly as possible, bracing himself. The group wasn't moving straight toward the camp, but it would be too close for comfort. He had to stop them, or at least divert their attention. He'd have to move fast once he started his attack. Better to get as close as he could first. He sneaked from tree to tree, pressing himself against each one and peering to gauge distance as often as he could.

It looked like there were at least eight in the group, maybe more. It was hard to tell in the dense forest, in spite of the bright daylight above. The voices grew louder, then were cut off by a harsh command from one at the front of the group. The leader, clearly. The Hranite stopped and scowled around the area, searching for something. The others peered into the trees as well.

Korel leaned into the tree he hid behind, taking slow, steady breaths. Time to do this.

A hand caught his arm, and a second clamped over his mouth before he could yelp in surprise. Luda shook her head, frowning, her high, pyramid-shaped ears twitching one way and another.

He took deep breaths, trying to calm his pounding heart. He hadn't even realized she was awake. Pushing her off, he gestured back toward the group. They couldn't let the patrol get any closer to their camp.

She again shook her head.

Korel checked the patrol. The leader was saying something quietly. Had the Hranite detected them? Best to move now, and fast. He tightened his grip on his swords, ready to charge.

Faster than he could react, Luda clamped a hand over his mouth and grabbed him by the throat. She yanked him flat against herself, her claw tips brushing his neck.

He froze. His mind raced. What was she doing? Could he fight her off and then attack the Hranites? No way. He'd expected her to join him in the fight against the patrol, and now she was attacking him instead. Why?

He clenched his teeth. Regardless of her reasons, he would have to at least try to break free. He couldn't let the patrol find the camp and his sleeping companions. Especially not Lady Tash. He cautiously shifted his fingers, ready to spin his blades around to strike behind himself.

The patrol began talking again, then resumed walking, this time in a new direction. Away from camp. No longer a threat.

Neither Luda nor Korel moved for a long time. Finally, he broke the silence with a whisper through the hand over his mouth. "Are you going to kill me?"

She remained silent a moment longer, then retracted her claws and let him go. "You're an idiot."

He pointed his blades at her. "You're the one attacking your allies. Or we're supposed to be allies, anyway. Lady Tash herself vouched for you, and now you turn traitor!"

"Or you could have trusted me from the beginning." She scanned the area and started back toward camp.

He followed. "What are you talking about?" he demanded. "Trust you? You just tried to kill me!"

"Can you think of any other way I could have silently stopped you from being stupid and revealing us?" she tossed back at him.

He caught her arm.

She spun on him, arm flying too fast for him to deflect, but she caught herself in time. Her claws stopped less than a fingerwidth from his face. Her chest heaved. "It's unwise to grab a Tulvan from behind, Elf."

He scowled. "I want answers, now. Why did you stop me? Why did you attack me?"

"I tried to stop you. I attacked you because stopping you failed."

"Would you just give me a straight answer for once?" He didn't release his grip on her arm, though he knew she could break his hold in an eyeblink. "Tell me why you stopped me."

"Because I can understand their language. Because they were talking about reaching the farthest limit of their patrol. Because they were complaining about having to work so far from the breach in the wall—which is true, I've never seen Hranites patrol so far out. And because they were about to change direction before you started making all that noise."

He stared. "You understand them?"

"And so I shook my head to tell you not to move. If you had trusted me, I wouldn't have had to find another way to stop you." She glanced around them. "Satisfied?"

"No." He glared at her. "You could've..." Could have what? He hated to admit it, but she was right—there wasn't anything else that would've stopped him without drawing Hranite attention. "You didn't need to attack me like that."

She scoffed and resumed walking, surveying the area like always.

He followed in silence before speaking up again. "You said you've never seen them this far from the breach? Have you spent a lot of time around here?"

"With patrols coming out this far, we'll have to be more careful as we continue."

She said nothing further, and he got the distinct impression that he wouldn't get any more answers from her. He sighed as they reached camp. "Fine. Keep watch. I'm going to sleep."

* * *

Sounds of movement woke Korel. He sat up, reaching for his blades, but it was just the others rousing from their slumber.

Delahn nodded at him in greeting. "Eat up. Sun's almost down."

Korel slowly took out some food. Last meal, he'd been able to slip away to his watch and eat away from the others, keeping his face fully obscured. This was going to be more awkward. Finally he turned his back and stuffed food under his mask, keeping it as close to his face as possible. He braced himself for a barrage of questions as he turned back around, but the only reaction to his strange behavior was a curious look from Sahnie and a teasing wink from Delahn.

As they gathered their things, he told them about the day's patrol. He left out the part about Luda attacking him, though he debated pulling the other men aside and telling them privately. He couldn't shake the feeling that Luda would spy on the exchange, though he wasn't sure what difference that would make. She already knew what had happened, and she already knew he wasn't happy about it.

Mostly, he realized, he wanted to warn the others. Luda was impulsive. She would act on any perceived threat, even if it came from one of their own. She was dangerous.

Maybe it would be best to pull the other men aside...

"Let's get going," Delahn said, strapping his pack on his back. He waved in Korel's face. "You still with us, oh hideous one?"

Korel swatted the man's hand away. "Of course, munkbrain. Just waiting for you to get yourself together." He paused. "Korvedan, keep scouting ahead. Stay on a path toward Luvis, but watch for patrols."

The wiry man saluted and started out, the others following behind in a group once more.

Korel caught Delahn's arm and pulled him a couple paces from the others. "I need to tell you something." He quietly filled in the metalworker on what had happened.

"She attacked you?" Delahn stared up into the trees as if searching for the Tulvan.

"Yeah."

"But she thought you were going to draw the patrol's attention."

"That's not the point. She's dangerous. She'll do anything for what she thinks is best, even if it means attacking one of us."

"I couldn't see her attacking Princess—I mean, Lady Tash."

"I wouldn't put it past her." Korel glanced around, checking for the Tulvan—not that he would see her if she didn't want to be seen. "Just keep it quiet for now, but be wary. Let Korvedan know to be careful when you have a chance to tell him privately."

"Shouldn't we warn Sahnie and Lady Tash?"

"No need to worry the ladies with such things just yet."

Delahn chuckled and clapped a hand on Korel's shoulder. "You still have a sniff of the old ways on you, friend."

Korel shrugged him off. "Just be careful."

Delahn saluted and sped up a pace to rejoin the group. Korel took one last glance around, then did the same.

It didn't take long for him to notice that the group was moving slower than before. Sahnie kept slowing down to help Lady Tash over roots, and the Kadrian leaned heavily on her cane with each step.

"Do you need to stop, raisa-da?" Korel asked.

Lady Tash waved a dismissive hand. "It just takes a little time for these old bones to get moving properly. A few more minutes and I'll be back up to speed."

Korvedan rejoined them. "Is everything okay?"

"It's fine," Sahnie said, hovering protectively beside Lady Tash.

"We're just moving a bit slow at first," Delahn explained.

Korel tapped a finger against his chin. "Perhaps it would be for the best if we found somewhere safe for the ladies, somewhere away from Hranite patrols where they can be hidden until we return with the royal family."

"Not a bad idea," Korvedan nodded.

"You want to leave us?" Sahnie stared with wide eyes.

"While I understand your concerns," Lady Tash said with a smile, "that's not going to happen."

"Besides, how can we make sure they stay safe if we abandon them?" Delahn asked.

Korel and Korvedan looked at each other.

"Guess we're outnumbered," Korvedan said.

"It was just a thought," Korel muttered, his ears burning. He hated to have displeased the grand elder.

They continued on, and as she'd said, Lady Tash was back to moving smoothly in short order. Korel noticed Delahn slide ahead of the group and hoped it meant the shorter man was seeking out Korvedan to deliver the warning about Luda.

Steps came from behind him. He no longer jumped, just glanced back to glare at Luda. "Where've you been?"

"Watching." Her eyes roved the area around them, as always.

"See anything useful, or just spying on us?"

"Yes."

He paused. "Which one? You saw something useful, or you spied on us?"

She met his eyes. "Yes."

It took a moment before he registered the faintest glimmer of amusement in her eye. He looked at the others and saw Lady Tash glance back, her amusement more evident.

"Come walk with me," Lady Tash invited, gesturing to Luda. "I want to hear how you've survived all this time."

Luda remained where she was. "Respectfully, milady, I will return to my post. As to your question, I am careful." She leapt with feline grace, caught a low branch, and disappeared into the trees.

"Her post?" Korel asked.

"She means patrol," Lady Tash said. "For a Tulvan, moving is the same as staying still for us."

"Then what's not moving?" Sahnie asked.

"Most of the time, dead." The grand elder chuckled. "They have their own culture and understanding of the world. It's rather marvelous."

Korel didn't exactly agree on the 'marvelous' part, but he didn't want to contradict Lady Tash. He bobbed his head as if in understanding.

A clicking sound came from just outside the faint sphere of light around them.

Korel froze and extinguished his lantern with as little movement as possible.

The others came to a stop as well, seeming to realize something was wrong. "What's the matter? What is it?" Sahnie whispered. Too loud.

Korel searched for movement in the dim light of the moons. There was a dufo nearby, too close for comfort. Most likely it was hunting them, preparing to attack. They had the advantage, but they would have to bring it down before it could signal its family pack.

The clicking sound came again, closer now.

He spun toward the sound and lunged at the same time Luda landed on top of the creature. She yanked the dufo backwards by the long, serpentine neck, giving Korel a clear shot at the round body. The bird-like animal lashed out with its foot spike, catching Korel across the arm. He winced but kept his mouth shut, swinging backwards and lunging in for another strike.

The dufo managed to shake Luda, but she kicked off the nearest tree and went for its neck again. It leaned its head back to make the call for help, but Korel was already slashing at its upper neck joint. It squawked in pain, the sound muted, and staggered sideways.

Luda silently ended the creature's suffering, then lowered it to the ground with surprising gentleness. She wiped her hands off on her clothes, nodded to Korel, and disappeared back into the trees above.

"Darkest moon," Sahnie breathed, "that was amazing! Is it dead? It's dead now, right? How did you know it was there?"

"The clicking noise," Delahn said, lighting Korel's lantern and handing it back to him. "It's the sound they make when they're hunting. It helps them find their prey."

Sahnie's jaw dropped. "You mean it was hunting us?"

"Yes," Korel said. "And if the fight was too difficult, it would have called for help. That's why we had to end it before it could bring the whole family pack down on us." He wiped his blades and sheathed them.

"Nicely done," Lady Tash said. "You dealt with that swiftly and efficiently."

"And amazingly!" Sahnie bobbed her head. "You were moving just as fast as Luda! No wonder you're so good against the Hranites, you're super fast!"

He knew he was nowhere near as fast as the Tulvan, but he mumbled thanks anyway. "Come on. Let's keep moving."

"Wait." Sahnie pulled his hand higher so that the lantern light spilled over his other arm. "You're hurt!"

He eyed the cut through his leather vambrace. It figured the strike would land on the inner edge where he didn't have metal reinforcement. "I'm fine."

But she was already clucking over it, digging through her satchel and dredging out all manner of strange objects to clean and dress the wound.

"No point in a fight without some good scars to tell the tale later, eh?" Delahn joked.

"You have many of those?" Korvedan nodded the question toward Delahn, a hint of challenge in his tone.

"I've had my moments," Delahn retorted.

"Mostly he supplies weapons for those giving the scars," Korel said before wincing as Sahnie applied something that stung.

"On both sides," Korvedan added under his breath.

Delahn straightened with a scowl and folded his muscular arms. "Yes, being threatened with my parents being tortured in the middle of the city, I supply the Hranites."

Korvedan shut up.

Delahn scowled a moment longer. "Though..." A note of his usual cheer returned. "That's not to say their blades don't occasionally end up unbalanced or dull. Purely accidental, of course."

Korel couldn't help but grin. "You never told me that."

"We might not all go straight for attacking them on the streets, but we find our ways to resist."

"There was one time when some Hranites were brought to me for healing," Sahnie said as she wrapped a bandage over the mass of herbs she'd loaded onto the wound. "After I took care of their injuries, I gave them some weedstalk and told them if they ate it, it would keep them from bleeding as much when hurt. They told their friends, and there was a whole contingent of Hranites eating weedstalk before they discovered what happens."

"What happens?" Korvedan asked.

She giggled, gathering her things back into her satchel. "Um... Let's just say that going to the bathroom gets very, VERY uncomfortable." She giggled again.

Delahn and Korvedan snickered. Korel couldn't help but smirk and saw amusement reflected on Lady Tash's face.

"Were they mad?" Korvedan asked.

"Sure, but I asked, 'didn't I tell you that might happen?' They hollered some and then went away. None of them ever ate weedstalk again, though."

"It does my heart good to hear you've found your own ways to rebel," Lady Tash said. "I have long feared that the Hranites will find a way to completely break Kenara's spirit."

"Never, raida-da," Delahn said.

"If you're done, we need to move on," Luda said from behind them.

Sahnie looked startled. "Oh! Yes, I'm done."

Luda nodded and returned to the trees above.

Korel pulled his torn vambrace back in place. He'd stitch it up later; for now, as Luda said, they needed to get going.

The hours of walking over roots and dirt blurred together all too soon, with only a brief moment of near-excitement where Korvedan warned them of a coming patrol, but it ended up easy to avoid. It was a good thing, Korel reminded himself. As much as he longed for heroics and a chance to bring vengeance on the Hranites, the more important mission was sneaking across the wall and getting to the Tower unseen.

The thought made him inwardly pause. "How are we getting to the Tower?" he asked, keeping his voice low in case of any nearby patrols or creatures.

"I've seen enough maps to memorize the way from the breach," Lady Tash said. "It's about a four-day walk, from what I've gathered."

"Traveling by foot, yes," Luda said.

Sahnie jumped, but the others had grown used to her sudden appearances and disappearances.

"But if we can find riding mounts," Luda continued, "we can cut the travel time significantly."

"You think we'll find a clutch of trained trongials running around the forest?" Korel snorted. The sharp-teethed creatures were barely controllable even when trained, much less when running wild and free.

"Who needs them trained?" Luda replied.

The others stared at her.

"How about, all of us?" Korel finally returned.

She shrugged.

"I believe we can expect to walk the distance," Lady Tash said, smiling.

Korvedan rejoined the group. "There's a river nearby. We could detour there for a break and some fresh water."

Korel was about to say they should go on when he glanced at the others. Their faces, save Luda's, made it clear a break was necessary. "All right. Let's do that."

Luda frowned, but shrugged and followed the others.

"You'd rather not stop?" he asked her.

"I'd rather not delay. But we'll make the most of it." She sat down as soon as they reached the sandy bank and started a small fire. Once it was crackling, she filled her teapot from the river and set it over the flames.

"What do we do when we get to the Tower?" Sahnie asked.

"That part is a little more fuzzy," Lady Tash said. "I can get myself in as a messenger, but there will be no way to get the rest of you in using that deception. And even if I do go in alone, I'm not certain how to reach my family from there."

"What was your original plan?" Delahn asked.

She chuckled. "I'm afraid I didn't have one. I intended to see how it went getting in and then find my way from there."

They ate and drank, Korel once again turning his back on the others so he could lift his mask without them seeing anything.

"It would be more comfortable for you if you simply let the others see," Luda said quietly.

He glared at her. "See what?"

"Why you wear a mask."

Cold pierced him. "You looked. You looked under my mask!"

"No."

He scowled at her a moment longer, skeptical. "Then what would you know about why I wear a mask?"

"You've worked carefully to shape it, to obscure everything, but a close eye can see what you're trying to hide." She glanced over at the others, who were making random speculations about the Tower, oblivious to their conversation. "Lady Tash knows."

"You've talked to her about it," he accused.

"No."

His scowl deepened. "You're going to tell the others."

"No."

"Well, what are you going to do?" he demanded.

"I'm going to drink my tea." She poured the drink into a cup and took a swig. Then she spoke louder. "Lady Tash, would you care for a drink?"

The Kadrian examined Luda with an inscrutable expression. "Thank you, but no."

Luda nodded and threw the rest of the hot liquid into the sand.

Korel frowned. He would have accepted some if she'd offered. He hadn't even had time to ask.

"Medicinal purposes only," Luda said as if reading his mind.

"Medicinal? What do you need it for?"

"Medicinal purposes."

He didn't bother trying to ask again. If Luda didn't want to answer, then she wouldn't.

"Are we ready to go?" Korvedan asked, slinging his bag on his back.

"Sure," Korel said, eyeing Luda one last time.

"I was thinking, I don't really need to be scouting ahead with a Tulvan here," Korvedan pointed out. "Why don't I join the rest of you?"

Korel wasn't sure he wanted to rely solely on Luda, but he couldn't say she wasn't dedicated to protecting Lady Tash and rescuing the royal family. And he'd rather have her keeping a distance from the group on a perimeter watch than hovering right nearby. "That's a good idea." Besides, it would give the men a chance to talk about the Tulvan.

Luda nodded and disappeared.

The group moved on in silence for a while before Korel caught the other men's eyes and slowed down. The two joined him, walking just far enough behind the ladies to avoid being overheard.

"Delahn shared with you what happened?" Korel asked quietly.

Korvedan bobbed his head. "That's why I suggested she patrol. The further we keep her from Lady Tash, the better."

"I don't think she would do anything to hurt Lady Tash, but I also don't believe she'd hesitate to hurt any of us." Korel glanced around and lowered his voice further. "We have to keep a close watch. I'm not sure all of us are enough to take her on."

"I think we could with you on our side," Delahn said. "I'd never seen you fight before, and I've never seen anyone who isn't a Tulvan move that fast in my life."

Korel shook his head. "I was just fighting like normal."

"Well, your normal is crazy," Korvedan said with a snort. "Faster than my best, to say the least."

"I don't understand why you all keep making such a big deal. In most of my fights, I barely make it through in one piece."

Delahn frowned. "'Most' of your fights? Who is it you're fighting?"

"Stray dufo that get too close to my home, or the occasional trongial."

The other two men looked at each other.

"Well, that explains everything," Delahn snorted. "You take on dufo alone, then act like your fighting skills are anything normal? No wonder you think everyone else is so slow."

Korel stared, not quite understanding what his friend was getting at.

Korvedan explained like speaking to a child. "Everyone else fights normal. You're used to fighting fast and deadly animals, so you're faster than everyone else."

It had never occurred to Korel that his fighting was any different than anyone else's, but now that Korvedan said it like that, it seemed embarrassingly obvious. "Oh."

"So yeah—with you on our side, it's possible we could take her down if necessary. Hopefully it won't be, though." Delahn glanced up at the trees as if checking for the Tulvan. "Having her on our side is a huge help."

"If it helps," Lady Tash called behind her, "I trust her."

Korel's cheeks and ears burned. "Pardon us, raisa-da. We didn't mean to trouble you—"

"You didn't trouble me, but that's not what you meant to say." She glanced back with a mischievous glint. "What you meant to say is that you didn't mean to be overheard."

Delahn and Korvedan looked sheepish.

Korel exhaled. "Pardon us, raisa-da."

"Consider yourself pardoned." She smiled before turning back forward while Sahnie hid a giggle.

Luda appeared in front of them. "We need to change direction. This way," she pointed.

"But we're going straight toward the breach this direction," Delahn protested.

"This way," she repeated, even more firmly, and then she was back in the trees.

Lady Tash shrugged. "That way it is." She pressed her cane into a root to help her step over it.

Sahnie quickly helped the older woman and was rewarded with a smile.

"Thank you, child," Lady Tash said. "It's been a long time since I last traveled through forest like this."

Korel felt a pang of guilt; he should have been helping the ladies, especially the grand elder. But no, it was important that he talk to the other men for now.

"I like Luda," Sahnie said over her shoulder. "I think she's been very helpful, and I'm sure she'll do whatever she can to protect us."

"Right." Korel doubted the 'us' included himself, but he kept his thoughts to himself. A glance at the other men's faces suggested they had similar doubts.

It wasn't long before Luda appeared again. "This way." She pointed a new direction.

"That's almost back the way we came," Korvedan protested.

"Go." And then she was gone.

"Is it just me, or is she twitchier than usual?" Korvedan looked around at the others. "There weren't that many patrols before. Why is she suddenly having us change direction all the time?"

"I'm sure she has a good reason for changing the direction," Sahnie said, once again helping Lady Tash.

Korel frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the tea. Could it be why Luda was acting the way she did? It was potent and heady stuff, he remembered all too well.

"It is a bit strange—" Delahn started, but he was cut off by Luda jumping down in their midst.

"Get down," she hissed.

"What? What's wrong?" Korel asked.

"Shut up and get down."

They obediently crouched, Sahnie and Delahn steadying Lady Tash. Ears perked, they waited for signs of the danger Luda had detected.

The silence stretched on. Korel listened harder, trying to find any sign of rustle or movement and failing.

Korvedan caught his eye and gave a deliberate glance at Luda, making a doubting shrug at the same time.

Korel strained his ears, then finally leaned his weight closer to the Tulvan. "Luda—"

Her hand clamped over his mouth, thankfully without the claws at his throat this time.

He was about to duck away from the hand when he picked up the faintest sound ahead. Rustling. A low murmur of voices.

He lightly pushed Luda's hand away and nodded to the others, placing a finger over his mouth.

As the sounds got closer, he picked out the Hranite language. It was another patrol. Why hadn't Luda just had them change direction again? Why let them come so close?

The voices kept getting louder, coming closer. Korel took a cautious peek, hovering at the top edge of the bush he crouched behind. Filtered through the trees came light, and a lot of it. This group had to be at least twice the size of the last patrol, maybe more. He dropped back down and eyed Luda, hoping she understood the question hiding behind his mask. How would they sneak away without the patrol noticing? Especially with the others in the group who might not be able to move as quietly.

Sahnie wobbled, her lanky legs having a hard time maintaining the crouch. Delahn quickly steadied her. Luda reached over and eased the Nim down into a seated position—smart idea, as she was less likely to lose her balance and make noise to draw the Hranites' attention.

Korel chanced another peek. Still closer. What were they going to do?

Luda shook her head at him.

He'd at least learned enough from last time not to challenge her, though he wasn't sure he trusted her to know what she was doing. What would they do when they were found out? They'd been lucky the Hranite patrol before had turned a new direction; he doubted the same luck would hold true here.

He looked at the others. Sahnie could stay back with Lady Tash, perhaps Korvedan as well. Delahn, Luda, and he would move forward to intercept the patrol, take down as many as possible, and lead away the rest. It was the best strategy they had. The question was just a matter of how close they would let the patrol get before moving.

He glanced at Delahn, unsure how to communicate his plan without making too much noise. Best to sneak to the man's side and whisper as quietly as possible.

Luda caught his arm before he could move.

He scowled. They had to have some sort of plan and enact it before the Hranites got too close to Lady Tash. Luda was only delaying that process. He pulled back, gesturing with his head toward Delahn.

She shook her head, then tipped her head toward the Hranites.

He inwardly sighed and took another peek, watching closer this time. Maybe there was something he'd missed, something Luda had picked up on. He doubted it, but he would at least check.

The patrol was closer now, close enough to pick out individual voices and see bobbing figures walking between the trees.

Korel squinted and watched, trying to figure out what Luda thought she saw. As he watched, it slowly dawned on him. The patrol was getting closer, but the line it followed would pass far enough away not to see them. So long as they stayed low and silent, the patrol wouldn't realize they were there.

He eased back down and looked at Luda, getting a 'duh' expression in response. He scowled once more.

Korvedan tightened his grip on his blade, and Korel eased closer to put a hand on the wiry man's arm. He shook his head, signaling both Korvedan and Delahn. The other two nodded.

Korel could tell they didn't entirely understand, but at least they trusted him enough to follow his directions. Good. He checked on the patrol's progress once more. The Hranites were close enough he could toss a pebble and hit one. He kept his hands on his blades and waited.

No one moved, no one hardly breathed, as the lights danced through the bushes across their faces. The voices remained loud and rough, seeming to coarsely joke with only occasional bouts of quiet.

Korel glanced at Luda every few moments, waiting for some signal that it was time to move, but mostly kept his eyes on the patrol. If he suspected they were even close to being discovered, he would act whether the Tulvan liked it or not.

But the lights and voices moved on, continuing past them.

Everyone remained silent and still, waiting until long after the patrol had disappeared into the distance. Finally, the collective breath they'd been holding came out in a whoosh, and the group relaxed.

"Why didn't we just avoid the patrol?" Korel demanded, still keeping his voice low. "You could have led us around it."

"I tried. There was no way without too high a chance of drawing attention." She straightened and brushed herself off before pointing. "This way."

Korel sighed as she disappeared—like always—but he turned his attention to Lady Tash instead. "Raisa-da, do you need a rest?"

She leaned on her cane and Sahnie's arm, standing. "I dare say that was enough of a break, thank you."

He nodded and, once the group was ready, directed them onward.

Luda still appeared from time to time, changing their direction seemingly at random. Korel couldn't shake the thought that her choices stemmed from that strong tea and became more convinced with each direction change.

Yawns became more frequent as the hours passed. Delahn sidled up to Korel and nodded toward the others. "I think we'd best take a little time to refresh ourselves. It won't help if we fall asleep on our feet."

Korel nodded. "We'll watch for a clearing where we can sit comfortably."

It wasn't long before Luda reappeared. "There's a clearing just west of here. This way."

The fact that she knew what they'd discussed didn't surprise Korel in the least. He wasn't sure if it was more disturbing that she listened in on them undetected or that he had come to expect it.

Luda stayed with them this time, leading them to the clearing. Everyone was happy to sit down and break out food and water.

Delahn splashed some of the water in his face, and soon the others followed suit. Korel scooted a bit further from the others and turned his back so he could do the same. He hadn't realized how tired he was getting until the cold water slapped his face and snapped him immediately awake. He pushed his mask back in place and turned to the others.

Most of them had finished eating but took a minute longer to rest their legs. Korel noticed that Korvedan kept eyeing Luda and wondered what the man had in mind.

Finally, Korvedan stood and approached the Tulvan. He leaned close and said something too quietly for Korel to hear.

Luda was silent for a moment, then nodded. She stood and moved away from the others, Korvedan following close behind.

Korel saw he wasn't the only one curious; the others watched closely, waiting to see what was about to happen.

Luda and Korvedan faced each other for a moment, evaluating each other. Korvedan yanked out his sword and charged.

Sahnie gasped, but Korel had already figured out they were sparring. He watched as Luda ducked under the swing, caught Korvedan's wrist, and spun him into a tight hold with his own blade against his neck.

"Whew," Korvedan said as he disentangled himself from her grip. "Show me that again."

Luda smirked, but nodded. This time she moved slower, still too fast for him to break free but slow enough that he could see what she was doing.

"What are you doing wrong?" she asked.

He puffed as he slid free again. "Not being crazy fast like a Tulvan?"

"You're letting her get behind you," Delahn supplied. "That's the mistake."

"Yeah. Because I'm not crazy fast like a Tulvan."

She faced him. "Again."

She moved even slower this time, pausing at a certain point in the twist. "Here. Don't let me take charge. Use the twist against me and break free instead."

"How?"

She gave him a look, then pointed.

"Oh. Got it." He drew his own wrist back and spun it, breaking her grip. Then he stepped backward, gaining more space.

"Again," she said.

The two of them practiced the move until she was back to the speed of the first time she'd slowed down.

Korvedan grinned. "I've got it!"

"Good." She gestured for another go. This time, as soon as he twisted to break free, she caught his other wrist and spun him the opposite way, somehow ending him right back against her with his own blade once more at his throat.

"Don't get overconfident," she said, then gave him a light kick in the rear as she let him go and pushed him away.

"That looked like a challenge," Delahn said, hefting his hammer and standing at Korvedan's side. "I can't stand aside and let my brother-at-arms be humiliated." He winked.

Luda eyed Delahn, then Korvedan. "That is what you want?"

"Yeah, we can do this," Korvedan grinned.

Delahn nodded with a similar grin.

Luda's lips quirked, but she ducked her head in acquiescence. Then she lunged at them.

Delahn's hammer and Korvedan's sword flew off to the sides, the hammer landing only inches from Sahnie and drawing a squeal from her. With a pounce, Luda knocked both men down.

Korel shook his head as the men regained their feet and retrieved their weapons, laughing and bracing for another round.

"It looks like they're enjoying themselves," Lady Tash chuckled as she settled herself down beside Korel, resting her hands on her cane.

"Enjoying their defeat?" Korel shook his head. "They're acting like fools. And the sound will bring another patrol."

"I doubt Luda would agree to sparring if there was any chance of drawing a patrol."

He didn't share the same confidence, but he kept his mouth shut.

"You don't trust her," Lady Tash said.

"Is it that obvious?"

"I've always had a knack for reading people."

"Even through masks?"

"Especially through masks."

"You run into many people who wear them?" He ducked his head as Delahn's hammer landed a little too close for comfort.

She patted his knee. "Just about everyone does, dear." She looked over at the fighters. "Why don't you join them?"

"I'm not interested in goofing off."

"Goofing off, or learning to fight together?" She nodded her head toward the sparring match.

Korel studied them. The way Luda moved seemed strange for her. He realized that Delahn was forced to swing high, around head height, while Korvedan ducked low, aiming for legs. He'd never seen them work so smoothly together.

"They just need someone nimble and fast to fill in the middle," Lady Tash mused.

"Like me."

"I suppose you would fit that description." She smiled.

He reached for his blades, but paused a moment longer. "Luda says you know what's under my mask."

"I have a reasonable idea."

"Are you going to tell the others?"

"That's for you to decide." She patted his knee again. "Looks aren't everything, dear. Now go learn to fight alongside other people."

Korel drew his blades and walked over to the fight. "Room for another?"

Luda panted, stepping back from the other two.

"Yeah, get in here," Korvedan puffed. "We're getting our butts kicked."

All Delahn could do was nod, gesturing Korel to join.

"Are you certain?" Luda asked the other two.

"Yup!" Korvedan nodded.

She looked at the three, then drew two swords that Korel never realized she had. He still couldn't see the sheaths or where exactly she'd drawn them from, somewhere along her sides. She slid into a fighting stance and beckoned them onward with one of the swords.

Korel started to lunge, but Delahn was already swinging. He ducked under the swing and came up with a slash that Luda handily blocked while dodging both the upper swing from Delahn and the lower swing from Korvedan. She lashed out, and Korel and Korvedan barely blocked in time.

It didn't take long before Korel was panting from the exertion. They were far outmatched, but improving as he learned to weave around the other two. He swung hard with one blade and, when she blocked that, slashed with the other, knowing her second blade was occupied with Korvedan's strike. She spun her second blade around and brought Korvedan's sword upward, blocking Korel's sword.

"What in the depps," Korvedan panted, staggering a half-step backwards to regain his balance and break his sword free from the tangle.

The rest of the fight didn't take long. It was a mercy when Korel's second sword flew free of his grip, the other two already disarmed. He collected his blades and returned to his seat next to Lady Tash, panting heavily.

"I think... we coulda done it... if you hadn't used those swords," Korvedan gasped out.

Delahn remained sprawled on the ground where he'd fallen, chest heaving.

Luda snorted. "The swords were for your advantage, not mine."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Korel asked.

"I would've had to fight faster to keep up. I wouldn't have been able to focus on not doing harm. The swords slow me down enough to prevent you from getting injured."

Korel scowled. "You had to slow yourself down to keep from hurting us?"

"I believe I just said that."

Sahnie giggled, and Korel shot her a look. She quickly put on a more solemn expression.

Delahn and Korvedan seemed too winded to make much of an objection.

Lady Tash leaned forward on her cane. "I feel well-rested now, but I get the feeling we'll need to wait a bit longer for our fine fighters to catch their breath."

"I'm ready to continue," Luda said. She already sounded barely winded.

"We're... fine... too," Korvedan interjected, still sucking in air between words.

Luda rolled her eyes. "Drink. We'll take another minute and then move on."

Once everyone had recovered, they set out again. As before, Luda stayed out of sight except to give direction changes. And as before, the changes felt random and circular.

Korel looked up at what few stars he could see through the trees. He nudged Delahn. "Can you tell which direction we're going?"

Delahn looked around. "No idea."

"I believe we're heading north now," Lady Tash said.

"Shouldn't we be going south?" Korel asked.

"I'm honestly not sure at this point," she replied. "But I trust Luda knows what she's doing. I'm sure she's leading us on a path to avoid patrols as much as possible."

Korel didn't share the same confidence, and a glance told him the other men felt the same way. Sahnie appeared to trust Lady Tash's assessment, though.

Luda reappeared. "This way."

"Are we going north? Isn't that the wrong way?" Korel asked before she could vanish again.

"Just go this way," she insisted.

"Luda, can you explain—" Lady Tash started.

"I said, just go this way!" Luda snapped. She immediately looked ashamed. "I apologize, milady." She glanced around and mumbled, "There are many patrols near the breach." With that, she was gone again.

Delahn and Korvedan were frowning. Even Lady Tash looked uncertain.

Korel faced the grand elder. "Raisa-da, do you know if she had that tea again?" If he was right and it was causing the Tulvan to act irrationally, then they could be in danger.

Lady Tash didn't answer at first. "The tea would not cause her to act against our best interests, if that's your concern."

"What is that stuff?"

"It's a strong medicine."

"I'm familiar with its use." He still remembered vividly how potent and heady it had been. "Do you think she's using it... properly?"

"That's not my place to judge or discern. All I can say is that it would not affect her judgment."

He frowned further.

"You're sure?" Korvedan asked.

"I wouldn't follow her if I wasn't," Lady Tash assured them. She yawned. "These old bones won't last much longer for traveling. We best be moving."

Sure enough, Korel could see glimpses of daylight through the trees east of them. "We should go ahead and rest. Let's find somewhere sheltered."

Sahnie sat with Lady Tash while the others searched for somewhere to spend the day. As Korel moved east, something occurred to him. There was no way he should be able to see that much dawning light through the trees, not at that angle. The light wasn't daylight.

He cursed himself and hid, stealthily scouting closer. Voices. It was another Hranite patrol, even bigger now. They had to be close to the breach, perhaps even right on top of it, where the patrols would be heaviest. No wonder Luda had been giving such circuitous directions. But how could they get through the breach if she kept pointing them away from it?

It made no sense, but there wasn't time for that. He had to figure out what to do about the patrol. He glanced behind himself, expecting to see Luda, but she wasn't there. It mildly surprised him, but he shook the thought off. He didn't need a Tulvan to figure out how to deal with the Hranites.

"What's going on?" Korvedan whispered, making Korel jump.

"Shh," he hissed, gesturing ahead.

Korvedan's eyes widened, and he nodded in understanding. He lowered his voice to barely audible. "What's the plan?"

"We have to move out of its path. Or find somewhere to hide. Maybe if we hide well enough, they'll pass us and we can move to the breach unnoticed. I'm sure we're close now."

"I think we are. Good thing we didn't listen to Luda, huh?"

Korel nodded without thinking. "Let's move."

Korvedan turned and slipped on a root. He landed hard with a muted _oomph_.

Korel held his breath, turning back to check on the patrol. The group had quieted down, and the lights were spreading out, moving fast. They'd been detected.

He grabbed Korvedan, yanked the wiry man to his feet, and hurried back toward the others. Delahn was still gone, and the ladies sat quietly talking.

"Get up," Korel whispered, helping Lady Tash up as gently but quickly as he could. "We have to find somewhere to hide!"

"What happened?" Sahnie asked.

"Patrol coming." Korvedan glanced back over his shoulder. "They're looking for us."

"Let's move." Korel looked around, unsure where to even start. West was the obvious choice, away from the coming patrol. He looked back. Too many lights, too close.

"Where's Delahn?" Korvedan asked.

"He hasn't come back yet," Sahnie said, looking worried.

"We can't wait here for him. We don't have a choice," Korel said. "Let's go."

They hurried as fast as they could, Korel leading the way and Korvedan helping Lady Tash. Korel had to slow his pace a few times to adjust for those behind him. They weren't moving fast enough, even at their best.

"Hey!" Delahn jogged up to him. "There's a patrol—"

"I know," Korel puffed, "we're getting away—"

"That way," Delahn finished, pointing the way Korel was running.

Korel slowed. "No, the patrol's that way." He pointed back behind himself.

The two men looked at each other.

"Aw, depps," Korel grunted. "North, hurry!"

But it was too late. He could see now that the lights surrounded them too tightly. No matter which way they went, the Hranites would find them.

Chapter 5

"We'll have to fight our way out," Delahn grunted, hefting his hammer. "There's no other option."

Korel nodded. "Sahnie, Lady Tash, stay close with us. We'll break through their perimeter and make a run for it." Most likely one of them would have to carry the grand elder in order to move fast enough to get away. He glanced at the other men and gave a subtle gesture toward Lady Tash. Delahn nodded his assent.

"Thank you, Delahn, I would be honored to have your assistance," Lady Tash said. "Now that that's settled, shall we move?"

Embarrassed, Korel cleared his throat. "This way," he pointed toward where the least amount of light showed through the trees. "Keep as quiet as you can."

He glanced up at the trees. If there was ever a time for Luda to drop down and join them, it was now. Why hadn't she appeared?

They hurried through the forest, hearing almost nothing except the grunts and rustles of searching Hranites. It was entirely too soon when the first cry rang out, the sign they'd been spotted. Five Hranites readied their weapons and rushed toward them.

"Go!" Korel barked.

Delahn and Korvedan were right with him as he charged in. The three of them fought more smoothly than before, and Korel spotted a few of Sahnie's daggers striking their marks through the fray.

More Hranites joined, and then more. The men moved to surround the ladies, but it did little good against so many. Delahn let out a yelp as one of the Hranites cut his arm deeply enough to make him drop his hammer. Korvedan lost his sword.

A shorter Hranite shouted a command, and the attackers drew back a pace, keeping weapons ready but no longer attacking.

Korel stayed braced, ready to resume the fight the instant the Hranites made a move.

"Drop your weapons. You're beaten," the short Hranite said. He gestured to Delahn and Korvedan. "Your friends have no weapons. You're outnumbered. If you attack again, we will kill you."

Korel was about to tell them where he planned on sticking his swords when Lady Tash touched his arm. She lightly shook her head. He glared at the Hranites a moment longer, but finally gave up and tossed his swords to the ground.

"Smart man." The Hranite gestured to Sahnie. "The daggers, girlie."

Korel bristled, but Lady Tash's hand on his arm kept him from saying anything.

Sahnie reluctantly added her daggers to the discarded weapons. "What are you going to do with us?" It sounded like she was trying to be brave, but her voice trembled as much as she did.

The short one spoke with another at his side, and they conversed back and forth for a minute.

"They're trying to decide whether to take us as captives or to kill us and be done with it," Lady Tash whispered.

Sahnie let out a tiny gasp of dismay.

"Anyone still have any backup weapons?" Korel whispered. He had a hidden dagger, but that wouldn't get far against so many Hranites.

"Nope," Korvedan whispered back.

"Stiletto," Delahn grunted under his breath. "Nothing that will have any impact here."

"Shut up," a Hranite snapped, waving her sword their way.

At that moment, Luda dropped down, landing in a fighting stance in front of the Hranite leader.

Korel's heart sang with hope that was extinguished just as quickly. Even a Tulvan couldn't take on so many, could she? He and the others might be able to retrieve their weapons in the first moments of distraction, but still, they were looking at a group at least forty strong. It was impossible.

Several of the Hranites jumped back, fearful of the Tulvan and startled by her sudden appearance.

Luda straightened, calm as ever. "Stand down."

It took Korel a moment to realize the command was directed at the Hranites. Their snickers reflected his own disbelief; why would a group of Hranites obey a Tulvan?

"Shh," some of the other Hranites hissed at the scoffing ones.

The short one glared at the laughers. "Don't you idiots know who this is?" He grinned at her and gave a mocking salute. "It's Luda. The one who got us into the palace and ensured our victory over the Kenarans."

Lady Tash let out a tiny gasp. Sahnie's was louder.

"What? You can't... She couldn't..." Delahn sputtered.

"Traitor!" Korvedan snarled.

Korel couldn't breathe. He stared at Luda in disbelief. She'd helped the Hranites get into the palace? She'd betrayed all of Kenara? It was impossible... wasn't it?

Luda didn't flinch, didn't even glance back at the others. "Walk away," she ordered the leader. "These are _my_ prisoners."

The leader's sideways eyes narrowed. "One Tulvan leading five prisoners? With no bindings to keep them in line?"

"I'll have to resort to that now, thanks to you," she snapped. "I had them fooled into thinking I was helping them reach the Tower. Now skitter off and let me do my work."

The eyes narrowed further. "You were taking them all the way to the Tower yourself?"

Now she did flinch, like she'd given away more than she intended. "It's irrelevant."

"That's not how we do things, and you know it." The leader paused and eyed the group. "Unless... unless they're of particular value. Enough to make it worth your while to make the whole trip yourself instead of handing them off to the next patrol."

She folded her arms. "Think what you like. I'm taking my prisoners and leaving." She paused. "Give me some rope. You owe me that much for ruining my work."

"Luda," Korel finally managed to croak.

She ignored him.

"You think you can trick us?" The leader glared at her, then carefully took in the others. "You want me to believe these no-ones are worth your time and hassle of going all the way to the Tower?"

"It's not your concern. Give me some rope."

"And I'm sure you know what's there—that blasted dragon that only the city's patrols know how to get past unharmed? You expect us to believe you plan on risking coming face to face with that beast?"

She smirked. "Just because your kind can't find a way past it doesn't mean everyone else is so dense. Now, give me some rope."

"We'll give you no such thing." The leader looked over the group with a greedy glint in his eyes. "They're really worth that much trouble? Fine. We'll take them and compensate you, per protocol."

"Like depps you will."

"We'll take them by force if necessary."

Luda snorted, her claws clicking out. The Hranites closest to her jumped a step back.

The leader scowled. "Double the going rate."

"Triple."

"Ha! You think we'll give you that much for these scraggly peasants?"

Luda smirked again. "You think they're scraggly peasants? Then no harm in letting me take them."

Now he looked suspicious. "Who are they, exactly?"

Korel gaped. She was going to reveal Lady Tash. "Luda, no!"

"The Tower will know, even if you're too dumb to tell."

The Hranite squinted a moment longer. "Double, and a half besides."

Luda squinted back. "And a week's worth of rations."

"Half a week."

"Five days."

"Done."

"How could you?" Korvedan demanded. "Selling us off to these Hranites?"

Luda snorted. "I sold off everything long ago. Pinch up your shorts and get over it."

"Luda, don't do this," Lady Tash said quietly.

"Have fun dealing with their whininess," Luda said to the leader, holding her hand out. Clinking bags of money were handed over, then some more bags which had to hold the rations. Luda repeated her initial mocking salute and sauntered off, the Hranites parting to let her leave.

Korel stared after her. "Luda, you traitor!"

"Tell me something I don't know," her voice floated back before she disappeared into the trees.

The Hranites set to work before he could protest further. Hands grabbed at their possessions, yanking bags free and tossing them aside for other Hranites to dig through.

Sahnie shrieked and slapped at one hand that got too close to her tunic. Korel lunged without thinking and ended up with his jerkin in the Hranite's grip instead.

"A clown in a costume," the Hranite laughed. "Let's see who's underneath all this junk, huh?"

Korel was only dimly aware of what else was going on around him—the other men being stripped of their armor, the ladies being tied—all his focus was on breaking the Hranite's hold and ducking away. But another caught him by the arm. Korel punched as yet another lunged for his other arm.

The leader stepped forward and swung with the flat of his blade, catching Korel across the midsection and knocking the air from his lungs. In moments, the other Hranites held him immobile. "Don't give us trouble, Elf," the leader hissed. "If Luda says you're important, then you must be—but don't think we won't slice you up if you give us cause."

"Korel," Lady Tash said quietly, a faint warning amidst the concern in her tone.

He sagged against the arms holding him, beaten.

The leader nodded to one of the others. "Get the clown suit off."

A hand grabbed Korel's mask. His vision flashed red, and he surged against his captors with a roar. Something solid hit him alongside the head, and everything went black.

* * *

Korel vaguely became aware of movement around him, a swirl of colors dipping and bobbing and threatening to make him sick. He groaned.

"The mix is awake!" a grating voice crowed.

He had only dimly grasped that he was being carried across Delahn's shoulders before a multitude of hands seized him and hauled him down. He could barely keep himself upright, blinking hard against the painful daylight. It seemed too bright somehow, too wide.

"Come on, mix, get moving," a Hranite laughed, slapping at Korel's leg with the flat of a blade.

He grunted and sidestepped, only to get smacked again from the other side.

"Stop it! Leave him alone!" Sahnie cried.

One of the Hranites backhanded her, and she fell against Korvedan with a whimper.

Korel growled and staggered forward, but the Hranite leader caught him by the hair and yanked him back. The others laughed and hooted. "What's wrong, mix, can't keep your feet under you?"

The leader leaned in and spoke in a steady voice. "You are an affront to everything in nature. It would be a courtesy for me to spill your guts and leave you for the animals to feast. Give me a reason."

Korel felt the cold air on his face and an even colder chill inside as reality snapped back into place. They were captured by Hranites. His hands were bound behind his back. His armor, his weapons, all gone. His mask was gone.

His mask was gone! Horror shattered any fight left inside him, and he sagged against the leader's grip.

The Hranite cast him aside with a sneer of disgust. "Get moving, runts."

A couple Hranites hauled him back to his feet. He plodded into place behind the others, his head drooping as if he could hide his face from them. But it was too late. They'd already seen everything. His ears featured high points, clearly Elf. His height and body build—short and stocky—also clearly Elf. But his eyes were unmistakable in their sideways position, and his jaw drew in almost as skeletal as those of his captors. Not an Elf, not a Hranite. Mix, as they called him. It was the only word for it. Disgust and shame sank his heart into the ground beneath them.

"It's okay," Sahnie whispered from somewhere ahead. "It'll be okay, Korel." She seemed to be looking for other words but failing.

Her attempt at comfort fell empty. He glanced up long enough to see pity on the faces of his comrades looking back at him, surrounded by derision and contempt from the Hranites around them. He kept his feet moving onward, his gaze fixed on the ground. He hated the pity. They should be looking at him in revulsion. He was an affront to nature, as the leader said. It would have been better for them to kill him.

The Hranites took extra delight in hitting him anytime he slowed or stumbled in the least. Lady Tash tried to speak against it and got a rough shove for it. Delahn steadied her with his shoulder and glanced back at Korel.

Korel still kept his gaze on the ground.

They were all struggling to keep up, having been awake all night and now long into the day. He wasn't the only one to get occasional shoves, though he bore the worst of it. He only wished there was something he could do to stop the Hranites from hurting the others.

But there wasn't. He was helpless to do anything but keep walking.

Rocks appeared, and he finally looked up to see the Wall before them. The breach was staggering, massive enough to march an entire army unit through shoulder to shoulder. He shuddered.

"Keep moving," the leader barked, marching up the rough terrain formed by fallen stones that once made up the Wall. Still, everyone had to slow down quite a bit to navigate the rocky path.

Sahnie recoiled as they neared the space where the Wall used to stand, the border between Kenara and Ebrun. She came to a stop, shaking her head in panic. "I—I can't!"

"I said, keep moving," the leader growled.

One of the Hranites shoved Sahnie forward, but she backpedaled in resistance. "I can't! I can't!" Panic turned her voice shrill.

"Sahnie, it's going to be all right," Lady Tash soothed.

"You'll move, or we'll end you here and now!" the leader snapped.

Tears spilled over Sahnie's cheeks. "I can't!"

Korel saw a Hranite moving forward, sword drawn. He spoke without thinking. "Sahnie."

The Nim looked back at him, face stricken with fear.

He found himself meeting her terrified eyes. "Go."

She trembled, but nodded and took a shaky step forward. The same Hranite gave her another push, getting her back up to speed, though she still trembled with fear and silent sobs.

A Hranite beside Korel smirked. "Nice work, mix. We should give you a job, huh?"

He returned his eyes to the ground and let himself be shoved through the gap and into Ebrun. Hranite land. His stomach twisted.

The Hranites paused on the other side of the wall to break out water and rations, giving their prisoners small portions. Korel's was thrown into the dirt at his feet. He ignored it.

The Hranites laughed. "Your loss, mix!" One of them smacked a waterskin against his mouth, forcing water down his throat until he choked.

"Leave him alone!" Sahnie pleaded.

"You gain nothing from this," Lady Tash said quietly to the leader.

"We lose nothing, either," he snorted with a shove. "Move out!"

One of the Hranites kicked Korel from behind, and he barely caught himself by dropping to a knee. He pushed himself back to his feet as his captors laughed uproariously.

The sun dipped low, and lantern light dotted the patrol. It wasn't long after that when another cluster of lantern lights appeared. The next Hranite patrol. An instinctive reaction against the sight of more Hranites clenched Korel's muscles, but he pushed it aside and kept trudging. More Hranites they would be helpless against. More Hranites to see him for the monster he was.

The patrols stopped paces from each other, and the leaders stepped forward to speak.

"Prisoners?" the new leader demanded.

"High-level prisoners. This is going to cost you triple," the leader smirked.

"Triple? That's a laugh." The new leader eyed them. "They hardly look like anything. Who are they supposed to be?"

"If you're too dumb to know, then you'll just have to find out at the Tower."

Korel felt the words burn into his ears, the same things Luda had said when betraying them to this group. He wanted to throw up. The rest of the negotiations slipped past him like some surreal bard's song. Money exchanged hands. The armor and weapons taken from the prisoners exchanged hands the other direction.

"What's this?" the new leader demanded as the prisoners were shuffled forward.

Korel didn't realize the question was about him until a Hranite shoved him to the ground.

"A mix," the old leader snorted. "Do as you like."

The new leader glared down at Korel. "You're disgusting. Your face offends me." He nodded toward another Hranite. Korel didn't know what it meant until the other Hranite hauled him to his feet, holding his shoulders firm. He saw the first punch coming, but not the others that followed.

Sahnie shrieked. "Stop it! Stop!"

"Leave him be!" Delahn shouted.

"Shut up!" a different Hranite punched Delahn, nearly knocking the shorter Elf over.

The Hranite holding Korel dropped him and backhanded Sahnie across the face, knocking her to the ground, too. "Anyone else?" she demanded, waving a threatening fist at the other prisoners.

Korvedan said nothing, though his face was a fuming shade of red.

Lady Tash held the Hranite's gaze fearlessly, but she said nothing.

The Hranite glared at the grand elder. "You want to say something, bag of bones?"

"I have nothing to say."

"I think you need to understand who's in charge here." The Hranite stepped forward, fist raised.

The leader caught her arm. "They've got the message, runt. Get back in line."

The Hranite glared a moment longer before she kicked Delahn and strode back into her position.

The leader spat on Korel, then gestured. "Get them on their feet. We can get a few hours in before it's too dark."

"We haven't rested in over a day," Lady Tash said as Hranites yanked Sahnie, Delahn, and finally Korel to their feet.

"So?" the leader snapped.

"Tired prisoners make slow prisoners."

The leader strode to glare her down. It was like watching a trongial try to intimidate a rock. His eyes narrowed further, then he snorted and turned, roughly bumping against her in the process. "We move."

The other Hranites sneered and shoved the prisoners onward.

Korel struggled to keep up. This patrol was more impatient, and his stumbles were rewarded with far heavier blows than the smacks he'd gotten before. Delahn and Korvedan weren't immune, either, and both were nearly knocked flat more than once as punishment for moving too slowly. Even Sahnie was shoved around for tripping.

Anger kept boiling up in Korel only to fade away into nothing. There was nothing he could do. He was as unable to help them as he was to hide his monstrous face from them.

The group finally stopped. Food and water came out, passed amongst the Hranites, but not a crumb tossed toward the prisoners.

"We need water," Delahn finally chanced. "Please."

A Hranite came forward, holding a waterskin poised to feed the stocky Elf. As soon as Delahn moved forward to accept, the Hranite slugged him across the face. Delahn landed hard on the ground, groaning.

"He just asked for water," Sahnie protested.

"You want some of this?" the Hranite taunted, waving the waterskin. "I'll be glad to give you the same."

"Leave her alone," Korvedan muttered.

"Say again?" the Hranite challenged. More Hranites moved closer, their hands resting on their weapons.

"That's enough," Lady Tash said quietly. Then, to the Hranites, "We'll cause no further trouble."

"That's right, you won't," the Hranite hissed. He took a swig of the water, then sprayed it across their faces before walking away, laughing with the others.

Korel's hands tightened into fists before releasing again. Nothing he could do.

The leader was talking at length with one of the others, gesturing vividly. Delahn struggled back to his feet and leaned close to Lady Tash. "Can you understand what they're saying?"

"They're arguing about whether to trust that we're important," she whispered back. "The leader wants to take us all the way to the Tower and get a big reward for us. His second wants to hand us off to the next patrol, per protocol, and just demand extra, like the others did."

Korel felt sick.

"Hey!" the second in command lurched toward them, a furious expression further skewing her face. "Grab her!" Her finger jabbed toward Lady Tash.

Korel's fingers curled again.

"What?" a Hranite asked, grabbing Lady Tash's arm and yanking her forward.

"She was translating! I heard her. You, Kadrian! Who are you? How do you know our language?"

Lady Tash remained composed despite the rough treatment. "I learned it when I was young."

"Why? How would you know our language?" the leader joined in the questioning. He cast a suspicious look at her, then spoke to his second. "I told you we should take them to the Tower ourselves." He grabbed Lady Tash's tunic and yanked her closer. "Tell me!"

"Hey!" Korvedan jumped forward. "Let her go!"

A Hranite slammed a meaty fist into his face, knocking him flat.

The leader's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the group. "How about one of you start talking fast before I ugly her up?" He raised his fist, aimed at the grand elder.

Korel saw red. He lunged forward, slamming into the leader and almost knocking him over before the Hranite was able to shove him off. Someone yelled, and hands grabbed at him to yank him away. He saw Delahn duck and ram a couple Hranites, knocking them off balance. Sahnie kept screaming.

Hands grabbed at his neck, but he ducked his head and butted the nearest chin. He twirled under another grab and lashed at a Hranite's feet, but it was getting increasingly harder to move with so many around, harder to stay free with so many hands reaching for him, harder to fight with his hands still bound behind his back...

Something snapped at his wrists, and the bonds fell free. He spun and found himself staring into Luda's wild eyes. She shoved him down under a swinging sword, then tore it from its owner with a nasty rake of claws and slapped the hilt into his hand. "Fight!"

Shock reverberated through his system, but there was no time to respond, only time to do exactly as she said: fight. He couldn't see the others, nothing but Hranites and more Hranites as he swung and dodged and rolled, over and over again.

Then, an opening. Delahn swung a heavy mace, rope still dangling from one wrist. "Here!"

Korel darted out of the cluster, found a sturdier position, and fell into an easy rhythm with his old friend. Lady Tash's cane flashed into the fight more than once. And Luda kept vanishing into the midst of the Hranites, into a sudden chaos of chilling screams, and reappearing bloodier each time.

Hranites fled. Korel saw nothing but the enemies before him as he swung harder and harder, as if cutting them down would undo the horror of his existence. Then hands caught him. He spun to swing and found Luda pulling him forward, away from the fight. He looked back and realized there were no Hranites left upright.

"Come on, move!" Delahn shouted from several paces ahead. Sahnie was helping Lady Tash, and Delahn slung a limp Korvedan over his shoulder.

Korel all but dropped the borrowed sword and let Luda drag him along. She paused only long enough to shove bags, armor, and weapons at him, gather up a bunch herself, and then she pushed him after the others.

They ran and stumbled their way through the thick, foreign forest until they could run no longer. Delahn found a sheltered bower and pulled more branches and loose foliage along to hide them, and everyone lay still for a long moment, gasping for air.

Sahnie broke the silence. "Did anyone grab water?"

Luda held out a waterskin, her eyes cast downward.

Sahnie froze, staring at the Tulvan.

"Please," Lady Tash wheezed, reaching for it. Luda placed it in the grand elder's hand, and Lady Tash drank deeply.

"Get away from us," Delahn huffed, pointing a Hranite sword at Luda. He gestured at the bags loaded on her. "Leave those and go."

"No," Korel found himself saying. All the rage, disgust, and betrayal roiled up inside of him, regardless of the fact that half of it stemmed from his own vileness. He glared at Luda in fury, but his voice came out quiet and controlled. "You're going to tell us why you betrayed us. Why you betrayed all of Kenara."

The others remained silent. Sahnie turned away, tears in her eyes, and bent over Korvedan.

"Is he okay?" Delahn asked without taking his eyes—or aim—off Luda.

"He's alive," she whispered, looking around. "My bag..."

Luda peeled off several bags before finding the right one. She held it out, but Sahnie cringed away.

Delahn snatched it from Luda and passed it gently to Sahnie. "You keep your distance, Tulvan."

"Keep your voices down," Lady Tash reminded. She, too, seemed to be waiting for Luda's answers.

Luda's eyes remained downward. Korel felt too keenly the similarity to his own shamed position when he was a prisoner.

"I don't expect you to forgive me," she finally spoke. Her voice was back to its normal flatness. "What I did was despicable."

"You better believe it was," Delahn spat.

Sahnie sniffled. "Why?"

"The patrols were growing too thick. There was no way for me to get you through the breach except as prisoners. I hoped to safely gain you passage to the Tower that way. I thought they wouldn't harm you if they thought you valuable enough." Her eyes flicked over them before her gaze returned downward. "I was wrong."

Delahn snorted and rubbed at a bruise on his jaw. "That's an understatement. What were you going to do, sit back and watch while they beat us? While they beat Korel?"

Korel felt his own gaze waver toward the ground, but his rage at Luda kept his head up.

"I couldn't risk moving until you were clear of the breach." Her voice grew even more quiet. "I'm sorry. If I could have spared you that—"

"If? Maybe try not handing us over to Hranites?" Delahn snapped.

"Quietly," Lady Tash broke in again. Korel saw the betrayal and hurt in her eyes hovering in an unshed tear.

He turned back to Luda, determined to see that hurt vindicated. "Care to explain why you thought it was a good idea to lead the Hranites into the palace in the first place?"

Luda's eyes flicked to Lady Tash, then downward again. "It was... It was the worst mistake I have ever made in my life. I will either die as a traitor or live indentured to Kenara, to fight however I must to right what I've wronged."

Sickness slipped through Korel. He knew what 'however I must' meant—he recalled too clearly her claws at his throat. "Even if it means betraying everyone you come across."

"I will submit to whatever consequences come of my actions." She finally lifted her gaze. "I will accept my execution if that is your decision."

Korel's voice caught on an internal fight. Killing Hranites was one thing. Killing a Kenaran... But she had betrayed them, not just them but all of Kenara. But then she saved them, and she wanted to help them now... But she betrayed them! How could they trust her? And yet there they sat, free and safe... She should die for what she'd done. But it felt so wrong to speak those words.

He shook off the thought. Nothing in war feels right.

Korvedan groaned and blinked awake. He spotted Luda and scrambled upright before wincing and dropping back down. "I—"

"Hold still," Sahnie said. "You were hurt."

"I..." He grunted, then pointed at Luda. "What is she doing here? She betrayed us!"

No one spoke. The unshed tear still quivered in Lady Tash's eye.

"I should have told you about the patrols," Luda finally said. "I should have warned you about the possibility of getting captured, that it might be the only way across the wall. You have no reason to trust me. If you want me to leave, I'll do so. If you want me dead, I'll submit. My fate is in your hands."

Lady Tash closed her eyes. The tear slipped free.

Korel looked at Delahn. The stocky Elf was still poised to slice through the Tulvan. Delahn caught his look, nodded, and braced the sword in preparation to strike.

"Don't!" Sahnie squeaked. "Please, please don't!"

The others turned to her.

She covered her face with both hands, her frame shaking with sobs again.

Lady Tash reached out and touched the younger woman's shoulder.

Sahnie curled into Lady Tash's arms and wept until she could speak clearly again. "Please, don't kill her. I can't—there's been so much death—I can't..."

Delahn lowered the sword a fingerlength.

Luda quietly nodded. "Take me somewhere else."

"No!" Sahnie shook her head. "Please!"

"We can't trust her," Delahn said.

"But she saved us. Why would she come back for us if she didn't want to help us?" Sahnie pressed. "Look at how bad she got hurt rescuing us!"

Korel hadn't even noticed, but now he saw it all. Bloody cuts across her face, gashes across her arms and legs. One area on her side looked suspiciously dark.

Delahn's sword arm wavered. "A trick to get our trust again."

"Why?" Sahnie asked.

Delahn had no answer.

"Why are we discussing this?" Korvedan snapped. "Delahn, take her somewhere away from the ladies and be done with it."

"No!" Sahnie insisted.

Lady Tash finally spoke. "We aren't going to kill you, Luda."

Delahn and Korvedan stared at the grand elder. "Raisa-da," Korvedan started.

She held up a hand, silencing him, and continued to address Luda. "I believe you when you say you regret your choices. I believe you when you say you wish to make things right." She drew in a slow breath. "And you're right to say we have no reason to trust you. But I think we have little choice. We need you, your skills as both a scout and a fighter."

Korvedan opened his mouth to protest, but she continued. "We are not strong enough on our own to make it to the Tower. I know that. But I need to know you will keep us informed of your plans and will keep us from being captured by Hranites again."

Luda met the grand elder's eyes. "I will give my own life to keep you safe, milady."

Lady Tash held the gaze for a long time, then nodded.

"We're going to trust her?" Korvedan demanded.

"Lady Tash is right," Delahn said, though he sounded like he'd rather not admit it. He lowered the sword. "We need her." He turned a scowl on Luda. "But know that we'll be watching you, Tulvan. Every move you make."

"Is yours to assess," she said.

He glared a moment longer before holding out his hand.

Luda remained subdued as she distributed armor, weapons, and supplies. They'd lost quite a bit, but not as much as Korel feared. Everyone found food and water and dug in ravenously.

Then Luda held out his mask. He stared at it and felt the others' eyes on him. He finally snatched it and yanked it on. It made no difference; everyone already knew what he was. But somehow it felt better to have the mask back in place. When he looked up, everyone was studiously focused on their food. Except Lady Tash, who simply gave him a respectful nod and then took another draw from her waterskin.

No one spoke as they finished eating and set to work getting their supplies in order. Sahnie moved through the group, tending to everyone's wounds. As soon as she'd tended to Korel, he pulled his armor on, wincing as it rubbed and jabbed his bruised, damaged skin. Still, he felt better with that on, too.

Sahnie turned to Luda, and she froze, bandages and ointments still in hand. Mixed emotions flashed across the slender Nim's face.

Luda quietly took the supplies from Sahnie and tended to her own wounds. Sahnie looked relieved.

They finished getting their things together, but no one seemed inclined to go anywhere. Luda might have, but it was hard to tell as she just kept watching around them in that twitchy, Tulvan way.

Delahn finally lifted a branch and peered out of their hiding place. "Should we move on?"

Sahnie winced. "Can't we rest a bit longer?"

Korel couldn't remember the last time they'd slept. They should try to sleep for a few hours, at least, and then get some distance from the wall in the last hours before daylight. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again. Who was he to take charge now, after everyone knew what he was?

"We should get more distance between us and the wall," Korvedan said.

"We're not going to get very far in our current state." Lady Tash leaned back against a broad trunk. "Perhaps we should sleep for a short time."

"I'll keep watch," Luda said.

Delahn snorted. "I'll keep watch for an hour. Then Korvedan for an hour, then Korel. And then we move on."

Korel nodded. It felt bizarre, everyone talking like normal, like they hadn't seen him for what he truly was. But if they wanted to pretend nothing had happened, then he would play along. It didn't change things, but at least their choice to ignore what he was meant he was still allowed in their presence. He would do whatever he could to make this mission a success.

Luda disappeared into a tree above them.

"Sst!" Delahn hissed harshly. "Get back down here and stay put."

A long pause, then Luda climbed down and folded herself at the base of the tree, keeping a distance from the others. She closed her eyes and would have been still except for her ears twitching, constantly moving the same way her eyes always did when she was awake.

The others made a point of finding resting places as far from her as possible. Delahn nestled himself next to the makeshift wall of foliage hiding them from sight and prepared for watch.

Korel looked at the others, then at Luda, and curled up toward the back of the bower, keeping a distance from any of them. He didn't belong, and he wouldn't pretend to, but he would do whatever it took to make sure his presence counted.

Chapter 6

It was entirely too soon when Korvedan woke Korel. He yawned and groaned as he pushed himself up, numerous aches resonating through his stiff joints and sore muscles.

"Right?" Korvedan mumbled, already dropping into the place Korel was vacating. The wiry Elf yawned and jutted his chin toward Luda. "She hasn't moved a scosh except for those freaky ears. Prefer it that way." With that, he dropped down and was asleep in moments.

Korel shifted to the watch position and yawned again. Two hours of sleep was not enough to make up for how long they'd been awake, nor for the punishment they'd endured. He adjusted his seat so he was less comfortable and less likely to fall asleep sitting up. Still, as the minutes slipped past, he felt his head beginning to droop.

"Stay alert," a quiet voice said.

His head snapped up, and he blinked back the sleep that had nearly taken him.

Luda's eyes almost seemed to glow in the dark as she levelled her gaze at him. "You won't forgive yourself if you fall asleep on your watch."

He scowled, but kept his voice as low as hers. "At least I'm not selling anyone out."

"No, it would be unintentional. But you would still feel as if you had betrayed them."

Accusations fizzled on his tongue. There was nothing he could say that she didn't already know and openly admit to. And, as much as he hated to admit it, she was right; he would hate himself all the more if he failed in his watch. He shifted his seat again and planted a hand on his right sword hilt. "Go to sleep, Tulvan."

"As you wish, Elf."

The word burned him. "Don't call me that. You know what I am."

"I know what part of yourself you've chosen to be."

Someone from the other side of the bower stirred.

Korel glanced that way until he was sure everything was quiet, then lowered his voice again. "I'm an abomination, and you know it."

"You disdain your ancestry and yet choose to place yourself in danger for the sake of Kenara. And me, I'm a pure Tulvan, and yet..." She looked down briefly, then returned that intense gaze to him. "Obviously ancestry has nothing to do with who a person truly is."

He fingered the hilt of his sword. "Go to sleep."

"As you wish."

He watched her closely as she settled back down, ears returning to their strange twitching. It was impossible to tell if she was actually asleep or not. The fact that she'd so quickly caught him falling asleep suggested wakefulness, watchfulness. He sighed and returned his focus outward.

The rest of the hour passed quickly. He wished he could let the others get more rest, but they had to move on. He gently roused them and handed around food and water. Korvedan woke with a jerk and a snort, blinking hard to chase the sleep away. No one ate much; no one spoke much.

Finally, Delahn lifted the branch for another look outside, then carefully pushed a clear path out of the bower. Korel took the rear, following everyone else out. Moonlight filtered down through the trees, resting on leafy bushes and a network of roots forming the ground. It could have been his own forest back home for all appearances. He shuddered.

A snarling sound came from the left. He had his swords out before he could see what it was. The other men pulled their weapons, too.

"It's harmless," Luda said.

Korel glanced at her, but watched the trees intently, searching for the source of the sound.

It grew in volume and intensity. Whatever it was, it was getting nearer.

Korvedan pushed the ladies behind himself. "Stay back."

"It's harmless," Luda repeated.

Korel scanned the trees, the ground. He couldn't see a thing. Whatever hunted them remained in the shadows.

Delahn took half a step forward, brandishing his hammer. "Come on, you mangy—"

Luda made a sharp hissing sound.

The snarl turned into a yelp, and tiny feet skittered away. Korel caught a glimpse of a kebbit-sized creature fleeing through a patch of moonlight.

"I told you, it's harmless."

"What was that thing? How did you know about it?" Korvedan demanded.

"It's a rodent. Common here in Ebrun."

"And you knew about it..." Korel prompted.

She paused. "I... I've spent time on both sides of the wall, doing what I can to sabotage the Hranites. I've encountered many of the native creatures."

"Sabotage. Right," Korvedan muttered, skepticism in his voice.

Sahnie looked around and shivered. "It's so dark."

"We're still too close to the Wall to chance a light," Luda said. Her flat voice almost held a note of apology.

"Just stay close." Delahn looked up at the sky and slowly turned around, squinting at what could be seen through the heavy leaves above. "Which way is north?"

Luda pointed without looking.

Delahn turned to the others for confirmation and only got shrugs in return. He sighed. "If you say so." He set out, Sahnie trailing close on his heels and helping Lady Tash over the bumpy roots along the way. Luda walked behind the two of them, dutifully keeping herself grounded and in clear view at all times.

Korvedan fell in step beside Korel. "I hear you fought like a madman to get us free."

"You'd have done the same."

"Yeah, if I hadn't been knocked out." Korvedan's tone was bitter, regretful. "I'll make up for it if we run into any Hranites again."

"Hopefully we won't."

"Yeah. Hopefully." Korvedan shot a meaningful look Luda's direction. "As long as no one leads us wrong."

Korel was silent for a moment. "I don't think she will. I think she really does regret what she did. If she didn't, why come back for us?"

"To get a bigger reward at the Tower for bringing us in. Just like she said to the Hranites."

The silent moment stretched even longer this time, punctuated by the soft clicking sounds of wastiks crawling over the tree bark around them. Korel finally spoke again. "She was badly torn up after that fight. You think she'd go through that over some coin?"

"I wouldn't put anything past her at this point. She got them into the palace, remember?"

Korel didn't need reminding.

Korvedan continued. "She broke trust with us. It's foolish to trust her a second time." He lowered his already-quiet voice even further. "Are you a gardener, Korel?"

Korel looked at his companion, unsure what gardening had to do with anything.

"Weeds don't go away from being cut down with a scythe. You have to pull them up from the root. Completely destroy them."

The words twisted darkly in Korel's mind. He looked ahead at Luda as she helped guide Lady Tash over a particularly lumpy root system. The Tulvan seemed oblivious to their conversation, but that didn't necessarily mean anything. He turned his attention back to his footing. It didn't seem right to think of Luda that way.

But this was war. Nothing in war seemed right.

"We'll keep a close watch," he finally said. "We'll see how it goes."

Luda paused, then vanished into the trees.

"Sst!" Delahn snapped.

She dropped from a tree above him. "Patrol. That way." She pointed west.

Korvedan shot a skeptical look to the west, then to her. "I don't see anything."

"They're not close enough for you to see yet—or for them to see us. Which is why we need to move before they get any closer."

Korel peered west and saw nothing. When he turned back, Korvedan was giving him a significant look.

Lady Tash cleared her throat lightly. "Which way do you advise, Luda?"

She pointed vaguely northeast.

"Then we'll go that way."

At the grand elder's decision, they set off again with the slight course modification.

It seemed like only minutes had passed before Luda slowed. She gestured for them to move east.

"Really?" Korvedan folded his arms, a dubious expression on his face.

She gave him a 'duh' expression.

He scowled back.

"Come on," Delahn said with a sigh. "Let's keep moving." He led the way, east now.

Korvedan mumbled something under his breath as he and Korel followed the others.

Korel found himself glancing at Luda more often as they carried on. Was she leading them wrong again? Or were there really patrols? He squinted into the trees once more, searching for bobbing lights and coming up empty.

Luda suddenly stopped, tipping her head as if listening. The others slowed, looking at her. Her claws lightly clicked against each other in some sort of nervous tic.

"Come on. We need to keep going." Delahn looked up at the sky. "We need to get as far as we can before daylight."

Luda held up a finger, head still tilted. Finally she straightened. "This way." She pointed southeast.

"For depps sake," Korvedan snapped. "Again?"

"Unless you want to walk into a patrol's range, yes."

"Unless you're leading us into one," he shot back.

She remained silent for a moment. "You either believe I'm here to help you or you don't. Nothing I say will change that."

"Better believe it," Korvedan muttered.

Delahn looked at Korel, then at Lady Tash. "Raisa-da?"

The grand elder slowly nodded, head tipped toward Luda. "I'm afraid we won't be able to continue much longer, but as long as we're still moving, we'll let you guide us."

Korel was close enough to see the strain on Lady Tash's face. "Perhaps we should find a place to rest for the day."

"We can make it a bit longer," Lady Tash said. "Please, carry on."

Korel kept himself closer to the others, watching Lady Tash carefully. He understood her desire to reach her family as soon as possible, but he didn't want her wearing herself out in the process. And this way, he was closer to her in case things did go wrong.

"Good idea," Korvedan whispered as he came up beside Korel again. "Stay close to the ladies so we can protect them from the Tulvan."

It wasn't exactly what Korel was thinking, but he ignored the comment.

"I don't believe that will be necessary," Lady Tash said softly, glancing at them over her shoulder, "but I thank you for your concern."

Korvedan had the decency to blush.

Korel glanced ahead at Luda, who was still in position on Lady Tash's other side. If the grand elder had heard them, no question the Tulvan had, as well. A part of him didn't care that they'd been overheard. Better for Luda to know she was being watched.

They got a bit further before Korvedan spoke up again. "When can we start going north again? Isn't the Tower that way? You're still leading us away from the Tower."

Luda helped Lady Tash step down off a high root. "We'll be clear of the patrols soon."

"Right. The 'patrols.'"

They trudged on for a while before Luda finally directed them northward again. Korel kept watching for signs of the patrol they'd supposedly dodged, but found nothing. Of course, if Luda was right and she'd directed them clear of the patrols, then they wouldn't see any signs of one. He sighed in displeasure. There was no way to know either way.

They dragged themselves onward for another hour before Delahn finally said it was time they find somewhere secluded to hide for the day.

"Why don't you stay here with the ladies, and Korel and I will split up and look for a place?" Korvedan suggested. His eyes flicked to Luda briefly, implying his concern about leaving Sahnie and Lady Tash alone with the Tulvan.

Luda looked down. "There's a cave near here."

"How would you know?" Korvedan snorted. "Your Hranite 'friends' showed it to you?"

"No." She pointed. "My rekin 'friends' did."

Korel looked where she pointed and saw, in the gradually rising light, tracks marking the roots at their feet. "They have rekins over here?"

She ignored him and gestured northwest. "This way."

"Won't the cave be, um, full of rekins?" Sahnie gave a little shudder, likely imagining the large rodents with their long fangs.

"Those tracks are their migration pattern. They've left to the south. The cave will be uninhabited."

They walked in silence for a while before finding the promised cave. It stank to depps, but it was deep enough they could hide around a bend and be well out of sight if anyone came this far. Assuming they were far from any villages; Korel realized they had no way of knowing that.

"Where's the nearest village?" he asked.

Luda nodded to the north. "A day's walk." She made a small fire and pulled out her pot.

Korel watched as she made her tea, displeased to see it again. "What is that stuff?"

"Medicine."

"Sahnie?"

The Nim shook her head. "I don't know what it is. I've never encountered it."

"What kind of medicine would an herbalist know nothing about?" he challenged.

Luda eyed him and took a long drink, then tossed the rest aside, as always. "We should rest."

"I'd like to hear the answer, myself," Korvedan said.

Luda tucked her pot away, still not answering.

"Well?" Korel pressed.

"It's not something that an herbalist from Kenara would know about," Lady Tash said.

The others stared at her for a moment.

"It's from Ebrun?" Korvedan eyed Luda.

"It's a potent painkiller. Nothing more." Lady Tash arranged herself carefully on the rock surface, tucking her cane beside her. "It's not our business if she uses it or why."

"I'd say it is our business." Korvedan glared openly now. "I'd like to know if our _guide_ is suffering from rotbrain."

"I can assure you," the grand elder said, "it doesn't cause rotbrain."

Korel narrowed his eyes at Luda, who still hadn't spoken. "Why do you use it?" He remembered all too well its addictive effect.

"You don't need to tell us if you don't want to," Lady Tash said softly.

"Yes, she does," Korvedan snapped, then looked abashed. "My apologies, raisa-da. I was out of line."

The grand elder simply dipped her head in pardon.

Luda remined silent a moment longer, then lifted a hand to her tunic and pulled it askew, revealing her left shoulder. Firelight rippled across a twisted mess of scarred flesh.

Sahnie gasped, putting both hands over her mouth. The men recoiled. Sadness and compassion filled Lady Tash's eyes.

"What... what caused that?" Delahn asked.

Luda let her tunic fall back in place. "That's what happened to me the first time a Hranite patrol realized I wasn't actually on their side."

"Hranites did that to you?" Sahnie's eyes pooled.

Delahn stared. "What do you mean, the first time?"

Luda slid to her feet and started toward the cave entrance. "I'll keep watch."

"Is that what they do to traitors?" Korvedan asked. "Scar them and let them go on their way?"

Luda glanced back, but only for a flicker. "It wasn't their intention to let me go."

No one spoke as she folded herself just at the bend, out of sight from the entrance but where she could see outside with ease. Her ears began twitching again. Korel was reminded of Lady Tash's comments: moving was being still, being still was death.

Delahn finally broke the silence. "Same watch as before. At least we get more than a couple hours of sleep this time."

Sahnie stared into the fire, holding herself. Lady Tash lightly touched the younger woman's arm. The Nim shuddered and spoke in a whisper. "I can't get the sight out of my mind." She rubbed her arms. "I don't know any way to mend scars so... so..."

"The tea helps manage the pain," Lady Tash said. "There's nothing that can be done beyond that."

Sahnie shuddered again.

"Rest." Lady Tash gestured to all of them. "We have much to catch up on."

* * *

By Maker's favor, the day passed without incident. Luda stayed in her position the whole day through, and as before, it was impossible to tell if she'd actually slept or not. Korel watched the light disappear into the shadows of the forest, then woke the others. They stretched and roused with many groans.

Lady Tash winced, rubbing a spot on her hip. "I'll be grateful for the end of this venture."

"Me too," Sahnie said around a yawn. She stretched, rubbing at her own sores.

Delahn and Korvedan were more subtle in their wound licking, but it was clear they, too, were in just as much pain as the others.

"Hey, Tulvan," Korvedan grunted, "how about some of that painkiller stuff?"

"No," she said without moving from her folded position near the entrance.

He scowled. "You want to say that again?"

She turned and leveled her gaze with his. "No."

Lady Tash reached for Korvedan to help her up. "It's unwise to use the drink for anything but the severest pains."

"So it is bad for you." He cast another suspicious glare Luda's way.

"It can be... consuming." Lady Tash seemed to be picking her words carefully.

"It's strong," Korel said, his own experience still vivid in his mind. "And it makes you want more."

"Rotbrain," Korvedan said, slitting his eyes.

"No, not rotbrain," Korel corrected. He didn't remember being altered by his taste of it. If he had been, certainly Yenda would have said something about it. "It's... it's hard to explain."

"It damages the innards." Luda's matter-of-fact voice cut in. "It's slow but certain."

Korel recoiled and pressed a hand over his stomach.

She glanced over her shoulder to give him a look. "One drink isn't enough to cause harm."

"It's cumulative," Lady Tash said.

"So you're drinking something that will kill you," Korvedan said, the suspicion still holding strong in his eyes.

"Yes." Luda didn't sound in the least concerned.

"Why?" Sahnie asked. "Why would you do that?"

"We're wasting the night." Luda stood.

Delahn leaned closer to Sahnie. "You saw her shoulder. Perhaps the painkilling effect of the tea is worth the eventual consequences."

Sahnie shuddered again.

They gathered themselves up and headed out. Delahn looked up at the sky and turned around a few times. "I can't get my bearing. Which way is north?"

"That way," Korel said at the same time as Luda pointed a different direction.

Korel frowned, looking around. He had kept track of their turns, even as they changed course to find the cave. Hadn't he?

"It's this way," Luda said.

"Are you sure?" Korvedan looked between Korel and Luda.

"I may have been mistaken," Korel said. Doubts clung to his mind. Had he been mistaken, or was Luda steering them wrong?

Korvedan shot another look between the two before shrugging in an overdramatic way and falling in line behind the group, beside Korel as before.

They'd traveled some time in silence before Luda directed them eastward again. Korvedan huffed impatiently but said nothing.

Many hours and two more direction changes later, Korvedan couldn't keep his mouth shut any longer. "Raisa-da, are you _sure_ that tea doesn't cause rotbrain?"

"Yes."

He scowled at Luda. "Then why are you taking us in circles?"

"Hardly circles."

"Ovals, then. Squares. Whatever you want to call them, why are you taking us back the way we came?"

Korel looked around. Had they gone in a circle?

"There's a patrol—"

"That excuse is getting old."

"Korvedan," Lady Tash said, a note of gentle warning in her voice.

Korel took a slower look around, checking the sky. If he had been right about which way was north, then they were heading due south now. "Tell the truth, Luda. Are we going south?"

"Northeast."

He eyed her. Could they really trust her? Maybe they did have a choice. He pointed the opposite direction. "I kept track of our route last night, and that way is definitely north. Unless you were lying last night. Which is it?"

"Your tracking was inaccurate."

"I don't think it was."

"You were wrong."

He scowled, stepping forward to face her. Her gaze continued scanning around them, like usual.

His scowl deepened. "Look at me and tell me I'm wrong."

She did, but her eyes still occasionally flicked away.

"You can't even look me straight in the eyes and say it." It occurred to him that there might be another reason she couldn't look into his eyes: revulsion. She knew what was under his mask, after all. The thought only brought more anger instead of shame. She was one to judge! "I said, look at me!"

"Korel," came Lady Tash's gentle chide.

Luda's gaze finally rested on him, her eyes dark. She lowered her weight, and her claws slid out with a faint click.

"Luda!" Sahnie gasped.

Startled, he took a step backward. "Just tell me the truth."

"You don't want to listen." She stepped closer. Her fingers curled as if preparing to tear into him.

"That's enough," Delahn barked, brandishing his hammer.

Korel saw Korvedan drawing a sword as well, cautiously stepping a half-pace closer. Over Luda's other shoulder, Lady Tash watched with confusion and worry in her eyes. Korel flicked a glance at Delahn; protect the ladies.

Delahn slowly took a step backwards, placing himself between the Tulvan and the other women. "I said, that's enough!"

"It's never really enough, is it," Luda muttered. She took another step forward.

"Just put those away and step back," Korel said, preparing to reach his swords. "This doesn't have to be—"

Luda flew at him. He grabbed for his swords a half-second too late, failing to reach them before her muscular mass slammed into him, knocking him flat. Another weight tumbled on them. He hollered, shoving, trying to push her off. She rolled aside, and something slammed into his midsection like a slap before disappearing.

Everyone was shouting. Sahnie screamed in a panic as Delahn and Korvedan charged forward. Dazed, Korel struggled to regain his feet before Luda came at him again.

Something red and blue slapped him across the legs, and he staggered sideways before managing to stand. He yanked his swords free and turned.

Luda lay on the ground, mostly buried beneath a writhing serpent. Its numerous legs clawed into her sides. Its fangs were deep in her right arm, which she braced between the beast and her face. Her left hand's claws sliced at the beast wherever she could reach it.

Delahn shouted again as he charged past a stunned Korel, smashing his hammer down at the back end of the serpent, the part not covering Luda. Korvedan was right behind the stocky Elf, slashing wildly.

Another shriek from Sahnie yanked Korel back to reality. He lunged in, darting to avoid the thrashing tail that had already bashed him twice.

"Get it off her!" Delahn barked, swinging the hammer sideways to try to knock the beast aside.

But the serpent had its prey and wasn't interested in letting go. The tail swung hard, forcing the men back a pace. Luda clenched her teeth but couldn't hold back a grunt of pain as claws tore into her left shoulder.

"Get it on its side!" Delahn shouted to her.

She kicked sideways against the legs and failed. Korel darted in and kicked as well, trying to force it off balance, but nothing would budge it.

Her left hand clenched into the creature's joint just above its first leg, pushing it downward as the claws came dangerously close to her throat. The other legs continued to dig into her. The blood soaking the ground beneath them looked eerie in the light of the moons.

"On three," Delahn barked. Korel braced himself as his friend rapidly counted down, then all of them lunged in unison. Luda twisted to her side as Korel and Korvedan slammed their weight into the beast. Delahn made a mighty low-arc swing that smashed into the monster's ribs.

The serpent shrieked and howled as it tumbled sideways, dragging Luda, her arm still pinned on its fangs, along with it. She snarled and tore into its exposed throat.

"Now!" Delahn barked, but he needn't have said anything. Korel already buried his swords into the creature just below where Luda gripped. Korvedan's strike landed just behind his. Delahn swung hard, shattering the serpent's skull at the base of the neck. The beast's body jerked twice before finally going still.

Luda pushed herself up, planted her left hand on the beast's upper jaw, and pulled her impaled arm free. She flexed her fingers, eying the bloody gouges, then stood and faced Korel. She pointed with her left arm. "I'm looking you in the eyes and telling you, _that way_ is north."

"Luda," Sahnie gasped, scurrying forward. She gasped again at Luda's arm, at the bloody tears in her tunic where the beast's claws had shredded her.

Luda took a half-step that was more of a stumble. "We need to move. The patrol will have heard that."

"Sit down before you bleed to death," Lady Tash ordered, authority strong in her voice. "Delahn and Korel, stand guard. Korvedan, look for a safe place we can hide."

"I think I saw—" Luda swayed again.

Korel caught her left elbow and eased her down. "Hold still."

She drew in a breath, then nodded toward Korvedan. "To the south."

He dipped his head and took off into the trees.

Sahnie dug out bandages and ointments, still staring wide-eyed at the fang marks dominating Luda's right forearm.

Korel turned his back to keep a lookout, but his brain wouldn't stop clicking as he tried to process what had just happened. "That thing was after me."

"Yes." Luda's voice had regained its usual flatness.

"All of that—putting your claws out, moving like you were ready to fight—all of that was about the serpent, not about me. Not about what I was saying."

"Yes."

He felt sick. "When you lunged at me, you were knocking me out of the way so it wouldn't get me."

"It was going to bite you." Sahnie's voice squeaked a little. "I thought it had you, but then her arm was there. I—I still don't know how she moved so fast..."

Lady Tash settled down on Luda's other side and joined Sahnie in tending to the many wounds. "I knew you saw something, but I couldn't tell what it was," she told the Tulvan. "I wish I had known. We could have—"

"It only would have made it attack sooner and fiercer." Luda spat in the direction of the beast's oozing, rancid-smelling body. "This was the only way."

"Nearly getting yourself killed was the only way to beat it?" Korel asked.

"The only way to keep you from getting killed."

He shut up.

Delahn scooted closer, ducking low. "Light coming this way. We need to move and hide, now."

"She can't move anywhere," Sahnie objected.

"There's no choice." Luda stood.

They'd only made it a short distance south when they ran into Korvedan. He eyed Luda, then beckoned them onward. "I found a place."

Korel stayed close to Luda, instinctively steadying her each time she faltered. Sahnie held close to the other side, fussing.

"Over here," Korvedan whispered, ducking under some low branches into a sheltered clearing.

Delahn walked the perimeter and approved the site while the women tended to Luda once more.

Korel stayed at the edge of the clearing, watching outside for any signs of Hranites. Delahn had seen lights coming. There really had been a patrol Luda was trying to avoid. He felt even sicker now. All of this could have been avoided if they hadn't stopped right there. If he and Korvedan had just listened to her.

"This will help you sleep," Sahnie whispered, placing an herb in Luda's hand.

Luda gave it back. "Just my tea."

"Your body needs rest to recover," the Nim pressed.

"We all need to stay alert. We're in Hranite land."

Sahnie shivered, but pushed the leaf at Luda once more. "I am your herbalist, and I've been charged with keeping you alive. Now eat it."

Luda stared her down for a moment, then smirked. "Forceful."

"Do as she says," Lady Tash ordered.

Luda glanced around, her eyes pausing on each of the men. She finally nodded. "Milady." She chewed on the leaf as she relaxed back onto the ground. Within moments, she was disturbingly still, her ears only faintly twitching.

"Will she be okay?" Korel asked quietly.

Sahnie crushed two leaves into a paste and spread it across the Tulvan's forehead. "Time will tell." She drew in a shaky breath. "I hope so."

There would be no further travels for them that night. Sahnie took some time to check everyone's wounds from the previous battle, as well as smearing ointment on the new scrapes Korel has gotten from the brutal—but life-saving—tackle. After a while, she checked on Luda's injuries again. She sucked in a breath when she got to Luda's right arm.

"What's wrong?" Lady Tash asked.

"It's poisoned." Sahnie dug into her bag, pulling out various herbs and tinctures until she found what she was looking for.

Korel leaned closer to eye the wound. Even in the dim lighting, he could see the green edges of the gaping wounds and the red, puffy flesh surrounding them. He shuddered.

Sahnie mixed up something with water and spread it into the injured area. "I'm not sure how much good this will do, with how badly she's hurt..." Her high brow creased with worry.

Lady Tash seemed to hesitate for a moment, then placed a hand over Luda's wound. The redness decreased under her touch. At the same time, blood began to drip from Lady Tash's nose, and her body shook.

"Omaht!" Sahnie pulled Lady Tash's hand away.

The grand elder drew in a shaky breath. "I've done what I can." She drew a cloth to her nose and dabbed the blood away. "I fear it's not enough."

The redness and puffiness had gone down some, and the edges of the wounds looked a bit less green. Sahnie nodded. "You helped. You helped a lot." She handed Lady Tash a grev leaf and a waterskin. "Try to rest."

As the sky lightened into day, the men set up their watch schedule. Sahnie seemed reluctant to sleep, but finally did at the promise that she'd be woken if there was any change with Luda.

Korel settled down a distance from the others. His eyes kept straying to Luda's still form. _Please, Maker, let her be okay_.

Chapter 7

Korel grumbled sleepily as Korvedan woke him. He grunted and sat up. It was some surprise and relief to see Luda had folded herself in her usual sleeping position in the middle of the clearing, her ears twitching normally once more. "Did you wake Sahnie?"

"Why? She needs her rest. She can tend to the Tulvan later."

Korel sighed and crouched beside the Nim, shaking her gently to avoid disturbing Lady Tash on her other side. "Sahnie, wake up."

She blinked and slurred out, "Huh?"

"Luda woke up."

Sahnie was immediately upright. "Thank you." She hurried to the Tulvan's side.

Korvedan snorted and mumbled something under his breath before dropping down at the side of the clearing. Faint snores soon came from his direction.

Sahnie cautiously touched Luda's right shoulder. Luda's eyes snapped open, one eyebrow quirked as if in a question.

"It's just me," Sahnie whispered, already pulling fresh bandages from her bag. "I'm going to change your bindings."

Luda nodded and stretched out, letting the herbalist do her work.

Sahnie shook her head as she unwrapped the right forearm. "I... I'm not sure..."

"Say it," Luda said.

"I think we need a different antivenom for this. The ones I have aren't working." Sahnie glanced back at where Lady Tash still slept. "She was able to draw some out, but I don't think she could do more without hurting herself."

"She's not to try it again." Luda had a hard edge to her voice.

"It might be the only way—"

"Then it will be as it is."

Sahnie pressed her lips together, then worked at packing more herbs and salve into the wound before re-bandaging it. "I'm almost out of fresh bandages."

"We'll make do."

"How?"

"I'm sure we'll find a stream to wash them in."

Sahnie wrinkled her smooth nose. "That's not very clean."

"We'll make do." Luda waited for Sahnie to finish, then folded herself once more.

Sahnie looked like she wanted to say something further.

Korel shook his head. "Go back to sleep. I'll let you know if anything changes."

The Nim hesitated, but silently nodded and went back to her sleeping place beside Lady Tash.

Korel kept half an eye on Luda as he watched and listened for any signs of Hranites. How would they get their hands on an antivenom and fresh bandages here in Ebrun? It was impossible. Did that mean Luda would die? He didn't think he could handle the guilt if she did. The doubts he'd had about her had quieted. He'd never realized that her 'whatever it takes' might include sacrificing herself for him.

As dusk neared, he glanced back at her and was startled to find her sitting upright, fixing her tea. He eyed her, then returned his focus outward. "How far will that get you?"

"Far."

"Do you know of an antivenom we can find here in Ebrun?"

"I'm no herbalist."

"Then how did you..." He looked at the tea and her before putting together that she must have learned it from the Hranites. He turned away again.

She took a long drink and tossed the rest away. "I'll get you as far as I can."

"Don't talk like that. We'll figure something out."

She snorted, but didn't say anything further.

The others woke on their own as daylight faded. As they ate, Sahnie filled them in on the need for an antivenom and fresh bandages.

After eating, Korvedan crept out to scout the area.

"Nothing's around here," Luda said before he left. "We're safe."

He eyed her, but still moved out to check anyway.

Delahn shouldered his pack and led the way out as soon as Korvedan returned, not even pausing long enough to hear the all-clear.

Korvedan grumbled something as he fell in line behind the others.

Korel eyed his comrade. "I think our concerns are proven unnecessary by now."

"I suppose you would think that way."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Korvedan put a hand up in a peacekeeping gesture. "I misspoke, brother. I only meant that she could still choose to lead us astray. We already know she can be bought."

"I don't think she'd have risked herself to save me if she just plans on selling us out."

"No, I'm sure she doesn't _plan_ on selling us out just now. But it would be more convenient for her if we're taken off her hands and she's left free to enter a Hranite village and get the antivenom she needs. We know they recognize and accept her, after all."

Korel shook his head.

Korvedan shrugged and kept walking.

"This way." Luda pointed.

Korel realized then that he had no idea which way they were going. He'd been more concerned about finding a hiding place than tracking direction last night. They'd gone south, but not due south, he was sure. Which meant when they headed out, they were going north—northeast—maybe northwest? He couldn't tell. And this new direction—

"Are you coming?" Korvedan nudged him.

He shook off the questions and hurried to rejoin pace with the others. He looked to the sky through the trees and couldn't spot any of the star shapes he'd noted on the previous nights. "Which way are we going now?"

"North-northwest," Luda said.

"The Tower is west of here?" Lady Tash asked.

Luda nodded. "And slightly north."

"How far?" Korvedan asked.

"We still have a couple days, at least."

Sahnie groaned. Korel wanted to join her; he felt too keenly the strain of travel in his legs and knees.

"We've made it this far," Delahn said, though his voice showed the same strain.

"We'll rest more often if we need," Lady Tash said. "It will do us no good if we arrive at the Tower too worn out to help anyone."

"What are we going to do when we reach the Tower?" Korvedan asked.

Lady Tash seemed to droop, but only slightly. "We'll figure it out."

"Do you think it's true what the Hranites said? That there's a dragon near the Tower?" Sahnie shivered.

"I've heard rumors," Luda said.

"How will we get past them if they have a dragon on their side?" Korvedan asked.

"From what I've heard, it's not on their side."

"That's good, right?" Sahnie asked. "It's a good dragon? Against the Hranites?"

"More like against anything that moves."

Sahnie's face fell.

"Didn't you have a dragon?" Korvedan asked Lady Tash. "Can you call it?"

She chuckled. "That was my friend, not me. Princess Alita was bonded to a dragon through a special ring. She granted me the ring on her passing, but it was lost when the Hranites invaded. Lost to them as well, thankfully."

"That would've been handy to have," Korvedan mumbled.

"Perhaps. Dragons are growing scarce; there's no way of knowing if we would have been bonded with one even if we had the ring."

"So how exactly do we get into the Tower undetected by both a dragon and the Hranites? Do you have any ideas?" Delahn asked Luda.

"Some."

"Would any of them happen to involve handing us over to the Hranites?" Korvedan sniped.

She gave him a look.

"Korvedan," Sahnie scolded.

"We'll scout it and come up with a plan once we know what we're up against," Delahn said with a decisive nod. "For now, let's focus on getting there without getting caught."

Luda changed their direction again after an hour, then again a few minutes after that. A couple hours later brought another direction change.

"Which way are we going now? Can you even tell?" Korvedan muttered to Korel.

"Um... Southwest? Ish?"

"Shouldn't we still be going more north-ish?"

Korel checked the sky again. He was still turned around and had been operating on Luda's directions. "I'm not sure."

"Hey, Luda! You sure we're still on the right track?" Korvedan asked.

"We're fine." She gestured a new direction.

Korvedan grunted in displeasure. "What's that make, due south now?"

"I could be wrong," Korel said.

"Or she could be." Korvedan eyed the Tulvan.

Korel shook his head. "Luda, which way are we going?"

"Not this again," Sahnie groaned. "Just let her lead, please? I don't want anyone else getting hurt."

"Yeah. Or captured," Korvedan muttered.

Korel picked up the pace to reach Luda's side. "Look, we just want to get a bearing on where we are."

She kept her eyes forward.

"It's not anything against you. We just need to understand..." He realized that her eyes were fixed ahead, not scanning like usual. "Luda?" No answer. He grasped her right shoulder.

She jumped and swung on him with a snarl. He caught her wrist just above the bandages.

Korel stared dumbly at their hands in shock. How had he moved fast enough to block her? It was impossible. She seemed just as stunned.

Sahnie squeaked. "Luda, your arm!"

Korel blinked and focused on the arm he held. The nasty redness had spread well beyond the bandages. He let go, taking a step back away from her.

For her part, she was still stunned, looking with vague confusion at her increasingly red arm.

Sahnie hurried to Luda's side and eased her down to sit, mumbling unhappily as she unwound the bandages.

"Korvedan, check for patrols," Lady Tash ordered, hovering close.

Sahnie shook her head as she got the bandages clear. "It's not responding to treatment at all."

"We have to do something," Korel said.

"The locals may know of an antivenom," Lady Tash said. "Likely, if they live near these serpents, they've come up with some way to combat the poison."

"One would hope, but how does that help us?" Delahn asked. "We can't exactly two-step into a Hranite village and ask for help."

Lady Tash looked around, a distant expression in her eyes "Perhaps we can."

"You're joking," Korel said.

Delahn glanced between the grand elder and Korel. "You think... because he looks..."

Korel felt hot, but he pushed it aside. Maybe his freakishness would be some good for once. "I could try."

"No," Lady Tash shook her head. "I'm sorry, Korel, but your ears and size give too much away."

"Then what?" Delahn asked.

"No." Luda spoke for the first time.

"Yes," Lady Tash countered. "I know their language, their culture. I know where to ask and, more importantly, how to ask."

"You're thinking of going?" Korel stared before shaking his head emphatically. "That's not going to happen."

"You look nothing like them. What makes you think they'd help a wandering Kadrian?" Delahn asked.

"I won't be, not to them. I'll be a feeble old woman." She pulled her cloak's hood up, deep over her head so her face disappeared into the darkness. She hunched forward over her cane, further hiding her face. "They won't question an old woman. They'll just want to be done with me so I can be on my way."

Korel felt hot again, this time for a different reason. "They have no respect for their elders."

"In this case, it will be a blessing. As I said, they'll want me on my way. They'll pay little attention to me. I can get the antivenom and even some fresh bandages, if they're to be found."

"You can't," Sahnie said. "It's too risky."

"We won't let you," Delahn agreed.

"Luda, where's the nearest village?" Lady Tash asked, modulating her voice into an even creakier tone.

"No," the Tulvan repeated. "Not for me."

"For all of us." Lady Tash's voice returned to its normal strength. "We need your help, Luda."

Luda didn't answer.

"If you don't help me, then I'll still go on my own. Who knows what I'll encounter."

"You're being manipulative," Luda said.

"I'm going to have my way on this." Lady Tash's voice held firm authority now. "It's not up for discussion."

Luda muttered something under her breath, then gestured a direction that might have been southeast. "A few hours. Take Delahn with you, at least to the edge of the village."

"It will be hard to disguise him."

"I'm going with you anyway," Delahn interjected. He matched Lady Tash's tone. "It's not up for discussion."

Korel couldn't see Lady Tash's face beneath the hood, but he heard the smile in her voice as she said, "Very well."

Luda held out a bag that clinked with coins. No one had to ask where she'd gotten it. They stared at the bitter reminder of her betrayal, but Lady Tash simply accepted it and nodded.

As the two of them set out, Korel turned to the others. "We should find a better position."

"But not too far away, so Lady Tash and Delahn can still find us," Sahnie supplied.

"I can't believe they're risking themselves for..." Korvedan shook his head. "I'll look for a place."

"I can look," Luda started to stand.

Sahnie forcefully pushed the Tulvan back down. "Lady Tash might have left, but you're still going to listen to me. Now stay put. Moving around will only make it worse."

Luda eyed the Nim, clicking her claws again.

Sahnie folded her arms.

Luda finally snorted and leaned back.

"Good. Now hold still while I check the rest of your bandages."

Korvedan soon returned and led them only a few dozen paces away where some rocks formed a natural shelter. Korel arranged small stones along the way, leaving a subtle path for when the others returned.

Sahnie had Luda lie down in the shelter as she finished caring for the injuries. "Lady Tash's magic helped a lot here. It just wasn't enough to take care of the poison."

"She shouldn't have wasted her strength on me."

"It's not wasted," Sahnie scolded.

Korvedan hmphed.

Luda sat up and scooted back against the rocks, reclining slightly. Her left hand lightly toyed with the edges of the repacked bandage on her arm.

"While we're waiting, why don't you tell us how we managed to get turned around again?" Korvedan asked.

"There were two patrols. They came close to each other. We had to take a broader circle to get around them."

"Right. Patrols. Just like always."

She eyed him. "Yes. Just like always."

He hmphed again.

"Leave her alone," Sahnie said. "She saved Korel's life, remember?"

"Yes, a little move that has greatly endeared everyone to trust her, hasn't it?"

"I'd hardly call it little," Korel countered, glaring at him.

Korvedan shrugged. "I only meant that now everyone's fully trusting her again. After we said, ever since she betrayed us to the Hranites, that we would be watching her closely."

"And since then, she's proven trustworthy." Korel folded his arms.

"Proven by what? Because she took on a serpent for you? She knows all about the creatures in Ebrun, remember? Who's to say she doesn't already know how to deal with a serpent bite?"

"Don't be dumb," Sahnie said. "If she did, why wouldn't she have treated it by now?"

"Because playing the wound makes sure everyone sees her with sympathy. With trust." Korvedan jabbed a finger at Luda. "She could walk us in circles for days without getting us one step closer to the Tower. Or she could walk us straight to the Tower and turn us in. Would any of us be the wiser before it happened?"

"Lady Tash trusts her," Sahnie retorted.

"Just because Luda has her fooled—"

"Do not question the Lady," Korel growled out.

Korvedan's lips turned before he recovered his momentum. "I'm only saying, we have no way to know for sure. We couldn't trust her then, and we can't trust her now. Remember what I said? The only way to get rid of a weed is to destroy it entirely." He glared at Luda. "Perhaps this serpent bite was a gift from Maker."

"Korvedan!" Sahnie gasped.

Luda stood and walked away.

"Get back here!" Korvedan hissed, but she'd already vanished.

"What did you expect?" Korel shook his head and hurried after the Tulvan. "Luda?" He couldn't risk calling too loudly in case there was a patrol nearby. "Luda, where are you?"

He finally spotted her ahead. She hadn't gone far, just a short distance to get away from Korvedan and his bile. "Luda... look, we might not be able to trust you fully, after what you did, but I do trust that you're trying to help. You saved my life. That's no small thing, regardless of what he thinks."

She remained still, focused on something in the distance.

He cautiously approached. Had she seen something in the forest ahead? He peered into the darkness and saw nothing. "Luda?" he whispered, turning to her.

She blinked and looked at him, confusion on her face. Then she crumpled to the ground.

"Luda!" He barely managed to catch her in time. He turned her in his arms. "Luda, can you hear me?"

No movement. Not even ear twitches. Her eyes were closed, and her face had taken on an unnatural tone. Lady Tash's earlier words echoed in his mind. Moving was being still. Being still was dead.

He leaned in close, fearing the worst. After a moment he felt her faint breath on his cheek, and he exhaled in tempered relief. She wasn't dead, but she wasn't far off. The redness had engulfed her entire hand and spread further along her arm. He scooped her up and hurried back to the shelter as fast as he could.

Sahnie stood with a cry of alarm as he returned. "What happened?"

"She collapsed." He eased Luda to the ground.

Sahnie checked the other woman's arm and sucked in a breath. "This is bad."

"What do you need?" He stood, ready to go search out whatever she asked for.

"The antivenom," she mumbled, frantically mixing something. "I don't know what else I can do. I've used everything I know."

"Her tea?"

Sahnie paused, then nodded. "It's worth a try. Help me find it."

He dug into Luda's bag, glancing around the shelter for the first time and realizing something was missing. "Where's Korvedan?"

"Didn't he find you? He took off right after you."

Korel frowned. "No, I didn't see him." He looked around. Where could the wiry Elf have gone? His searching hands found the pouch of leaves he'd seen her pull out so many times, and he put Korvedan out of his mind as he dug it out, along with her small pot.

"We can just make a little, right? To make it stronger?" he asked. "She always throws so much of it away."

"I watched her make it last time. We should do it the same way." Sahnie measured water into the pot. "I don't know if it's safe to make it more concentrated. Especially if it causes damage, like she said."

He nodded and handed over the leaves.

Soon the tea was ready, and Sahnie carefully spoon-fed the small dosage to the unmoving Tulvan. Korel hovered as much as Sahnie did, half-expecting Luda to jump to her feet. But nothing happened.

Sahnie set aside the remaining tea. "In case we end up needing more," she said quietly. "Let's... make her comfortable."

Korel covered Luda with a blanket as Sahnie slid a folded cloak under Luda's head, then another under her feet. The younger woman lightly stroked the Tulvan's stringy hair out of her face.

Korel wanted to ask if she'd be okay, but knew there was no point. All they could do was see if the tea helped, or wait until Lady Tash and Delahn returned—hopefully with the antivenom in hand.

Instead, he straightened. "I'll go look for Korvedan."

Sahnie nodded. "Maybe he got hurt."

"Or lost." He still couldn't understand why Korvedan hadn't found them right away. It wasn't like Luda had gone far or had been difficult to track down.

Unless Korvedan wasn't trying to find them.

But why would he leave? He didn't trust Luda, that was for sure, but why abandon the rest of them over that? Was he frustrated at not being listened to? He'd certainly been trying to convince Korel not to trust Luda. Or maybe he needed some space, like Luda had, to calm down.

"Korvedan?" Korel kept his voice low as he slowly traced the route he'd followed Luda along before. "Korvedan!"

There was no sign of a place where Korvedan had deviated from their path. Korel sighed and started on gradually-widening spirals around their hiding place, checking frequently for patrols. "Korvedan!"

He finally returned to the shelter, having found nothing. Sahnie looked up with hope in her eyes, and he shook his head.

She sighed. "Well, at least you didn't find him hurt or..." She broke off. "At least you didn't find him hurt."

He settled back down and watched outside the shelter, for Korvedan, or Delahn and Lady Tash, or patrols—or whatever else might be out there. He echoed Sahnie's sigh.

"Korel?" a hissed voice came. "Luda?"

"Here," he hissed back, pulling at a bush's branches to get a clearer look.

Delahn quickened his pace, helping Lady Tash along in the dim lighting. "We have what we need."

Korel slumped in relief. "Come on, hurry!"

Delahn and Lady Tash entered the shelter and stopped short at the sight of Luda's still form.

"What happened?" Lady Tash asked, pulling out a pouch and handing it to Sahnie.

"The poison..." Korel cleared his throat. "It's a good thing you got the antivenom."

"And bandages," Delahn added, pulling out his own bag and transferring the supplies into Sahnie's.

Sahnie was already at work preparing the antivenom under Lady Tash's instructions.

"I take it no one noticed you aren't a Hranite?" Korel asked.

"Not a second glance my direction," Lady Tash said. "They said there's—no, dear, that's two parts water—there's been an increase in those serpents around here lately. Thankfully they still had plenty of the herbs that make up the antivenom." She picked up a different leaf from the pouch and handed it to Sahnie. "Make sure this one dissolves all the way. Interestingly, they also told me there have been more patrols around here lately. There've been rumors of a resistance being started." She glanced in Korel's direction.

He looked down, ashamed. "If I had realized—"

"If you had realized, then you might not have been there to save me from those Hranites. It all works out in the end. But it does explain why Luda's been having a hard time leading us around the patrols." Lady Tash stirred the mixture, then sniffed it. She immediately recoiled. "I do believe we have it right. They said the paste should smell like a rekin's deathnest."

Sahnie gave a tentative sniff and gagged. "They weren't kidding."

"We'll pack it into the wound and put on fresh bandages. If it works right, it'll draw the poison out," Lady Tash said.

Korel watched their work, hoping and praying it worked right. And that it wasn't too late.

Delahn looked around. "Where's Korvedan?"

Sahnie glanced at Korel.

"We don't know," Korel said.

"He's checking the area?"

Korel shook his head. "No, he left, and we don't know where he went."

"He said these," Sahnie shuddered, " _awful_ things to Luda, and she walked away. Korel went after her, and Korvedan went after both of them, only Korvedan never came back."

Delahn turned to Korel, and Korel shrugged. "I never saw him after I followed Luda. I tried to look for him, but I couldn't find any signs of where he's gone."

Lady Tash and Sahnie finished their work. The grand elder leaned back with a sigh. "With any hope, he'll be back soon. Though we may be here for a while, depending on how long it takes Luda to recover."

Korel took another look outside the shelter, frowning. He didn't like the idea of staying put in Hranite territory for Maker knows how long. "Should we try to find a more secure position?"

"I'm not sure we should move her," Sahnie said.

"You found a well-hidden place here—even with your stone trail," Delahn offered. "I think we'll be all right. We'll just take turns keeping watch."

"Should we remove the trail?" Korel asked.

"Korvedan might need it to find the way back to us." Sahnie's voice was quiet.

She didn't say it, but Korel sensed the uncertainty from her of whether Korvedan was coming back at all, same as he felt. He cleared his throat. "He's the one who found this spot in the first place. I'm sure he'll find us without needing the trail." He nodded to Delahn. "Better to not risk leading Hranites to us."

The stockier man nodded and hurried out of the shelter.

Korel watched outside the shelter for a moment, then looked back at Lady Tash. "Did they say how long it takes to work?"

She shook her head. "We just have to wait."

Daylight came, and they slept, Delahn and Korel taking shifts to keep up the watch. At one point in his watch, Korel heard the grumbling voices of a patrol in the distance, but it thankfully never neared. Luda had brought them a safe distance from the patrol routes. He sighed, feeling sick again, and glanced over at her. Like Lady Tash said, apparently Luda had a good reason for leading them in such bizarre patterns.

As the light faded into night, Korel debated whether he should bother waking the others. There wasn't much to do except sit around and wait, after all. He left them to wake on their own timing.

Which turned out to not be long, as Delahn stirred, then Lady Tash, and finally Sahnie. The Nim sat up, yawning and stretching, then shivered, pulling her cloak around her. "When did it get so cold?"

Now that she mentioned it, Korel felt the chill in the air. He pulled his own cloak tighter.

"The seasons are turning." Lady Tash eyed the shelter. "Do you suppose a small fire would be safe?"

"I'm not sure." Delahn glanced at Korel.

"There was a patrol at one point in the day, but it was a distance from here. It might be safe." He stood, stretching out the cricks in his legs. "Make the fire, and I'll check to see if it's too visible."

He wandered into the trees, making a slow semi-circle. The rocky side of the shelter wouldn't show any light; it was the spaces between bushes and trees that would give them away. He caught a glimpse of light as the fire started, and soon more pinpricks of light shone. He backed away further, gauging as he went.

A faint sound behind him caught his attention, and he instinctively dropped low, peering around for the source. Dotting lights of a patrol bobbed in the distance. He sucked in a breath and looked back toward the shelter. Only a little light showed. Too much? It was hard to say for sure.

He watched the patrol closely, but like the daytime one, it moved along with no apparent notice of them. He waited until long after they were gone before returning to the shelter.

"You were gone so long!" Sahnie whispered, grabbing his arm as he pushed through the bushes. "We were afraid—"

"There was a patrol," he said, keeping his voice low. "But it's okay. They went past without noticing us."

"That answers the question about the fire," Lady Tash mused.

"I think we'll be fine, as long as we don't let it get any bigger than this."

Delahn nodded and poked at the small fire. "At least we can warm up."

Sahnie adjusted the blanket over Luda. Worry wrinkled her high forehead.

"You've done what you can," Lady Tash reassured the younger woman, gently tugging the Nim toward the fire. "Come and sit."

Sahnie dropped down and pulled her knees to her chest. "Do you think Korvedan will come back?"

No one answered.

She sighed. "Why do you think he left?"

Korel shrugged. "He made it perfectly clear he doesn't trust Luda. Maybe he left because he didn't want to risk being around her."

"He didn't seem to like it much that we're trusting her," Delahn added.

The words resonated with Korel. It had felt like Korvedan was trying to convince him not to trust the Tulvan. Like it was important to him that everyone else have the same distrust of Luda as he did. Because he was worried she would betray their trust again? Then why leave them with her? He frowned.

They ate. Drank. Delahn quietly sang one of his father's old songs while Lady Tash braided Sahnie's hair. Sahnie told a story about her travels. Lady Tash asked questions that made it easy to talk, to open up.

Korel stayed put near the bushes, alternating between checking outside and checking on Luda. It looked like her skin tone had improved some. Still, she remained unmoving. How long would they have to wait?

The others were chuckling about Delahn's story of sabotaging a Hranite's shield when Korel glanced at Luda and could have sworn he saw her ear twitch. "Luda?"

The others fell into immediate silence, all of them turning and craning their necks to see the Tulvan.

Sahnie scurried over and knelt to check Luda's bandage. "The redness has gone down. And—"

Luda sprang upright with a snarl, claws out. Sahnie shrieked and fell backward.

Lady Tash was on her feet in an instant, her commanding voice resonating in the small area. "Stand down."

Luda's eyes seemed unfocused, roving over the others. She blinked a couple times before she stumbled sideways.

Korel steadied her. "Take it easy."

She gave him the same unfocused look. "What are you doing?" Accusation marked her tone. "Why are you blurry?"

"We'll fix him next." Lady Tash took Luda's hands. "Now sit and let Sahnie tend to you."

Luda blinked a couple more times before obediently settling down. Her expression flitted between confusion and ire.

Sahnie stayed back, looking between Luda and Lady Tash with uncertainty.

"It's okay," Lady Tash soothed. It was unclear if she was speaking to Sahnie or Luda; maybe both. "It's all right now."

Sahnie finally approached, tentative like she was trying to pick a dufo's feather without the beast noticing. She lightly touched Luda's bandage.

Luda jerked in her direction and squinted. "I know you."

"It's me, Sahnie," the Nim squeaked.

"Right."

"Be quiet and let Sahnie do her work," Lady Tash said.

Luda remained still as Sahnie cautiously undid the bandages. As the Tulvan stayed compliant, Sahnie's courage grew, and soon she was back to her usual self. She rinsed off the wound and studied Luda's arm. "It's much better. The swelling's almost gone. It looks like the antivenom did the trick." She slathered on another helping of the paste and rewrapped the wound. "We, um, we made some of your tea for you. We weren't sure if it would help. We gave you some while you were... um..." She fiddled her fingers. "That is, do you want more of it?"

Luda squinted again as Sahnie brought the remaining tea over. "Too soon." She tossed the drink aside.

"That was a good idea, though," Lady Tash said.

Luda mumbled something under her breath and stood. "We should get moving." She stumbled again.

"No, you should sit down," Lady Tash corrected. Amusement crept back into her voice. "At least until you stop seeing double."

Luda glared, eyes still unfocused.

"They said it might take some time to fully recover," Lady Tash said. "We'll rest here another day and set out as soon as it's dark again."

"We shouldn't delay," Luda muttered. "There's a patrol..."

"I saw it," Korel said. "It doesn't come too close to here. We'll be fine taking another day."

She grunted in displeasure, but she reluctantly ate and settled back down to rest, folding herself as before. Korel was relieved to see her ears twitching again.

"I think she'll be all right," Lady Tash said, relief in her voice. "With some rest."

"And not seeing double," Delahn chuckled.

The others echoed the chuckle, a needed release to the tension.

Delahn and Korel took their watches again, and the day passed without incident. Korel made sure to wake the others as soon as the sun reached the horizon. As long as Luda was up for traveling, they should set out as soon as possible.

After they all ate, Sahnie checked Luda's arm again. "Much better."

"With your permission?" Luda eyed Lady Tash.

Lady Tash gave a royal nod of acquiescence.

Luda slid to her feet and rolled her shoulders, testing her injured arm. She flexed her fingers a few times. "Let's go."

"Korvedan isn't back yet," Sahnie said quietly.

Korel found himself looking around as if Korvedan might have magically reappeared in their midst.

Luda, for her part, seemed unconcerned.

Delahn gave her a sidelong glance. "You don't seem that surprised, and you weren't even awake when he left."

"I'm not surprised. He's been afraid."

"Afraid of staying with you," Korel said.

"No, he's afraid of something more than that."

Delahn folded his arms. "Like what?"

She glanced at him. "I'm not a mind reader. But I know fear."

Lady Tash exhaled. "I'm sorry to say we've been here long enough for him to find us if he chose. We'll keep a watch for him as we go, but it seems he's made his decision."

"What if he got hurt?" Sahnie searched their faces.

"We've already had too many delays," Delahn said.

"We'll watch for him, like Lady Tash said," Korel supplied. "If he's out there, I'm sure we'll find him."

Luda glanced at him, and it was clear she knew he was lying.

He didn't really care. He was used to the Tulvan seeing through him by now. And he had no delusions they'd find the other Elf. Korvedan had left them for whatever reason, and their mission was more important than hunting him down.

They gathered their things and set out. Luda quietly directed them, staying close in their midst as before. Korel found it a bit strange without Korvedan walking at his side, but he didn't miss the constant whispers of doubt.

After the fifth direction change, Delahn sighed. "Please tell me we're getting close."

Luda glanced back at him, her eyes flicking around the area. "At this pace, we'll reach the Tower late into tomorrow night."

Korel slowed a pace. "There will be more Hranites around the Tower, won't there?"

"Likely."

"How are we going to get there?"

Lady Tash nodded. "We should work on forming a plan."

"Luda?" Korel asked. "You said before you had some ideas?"

She kept walking. It almost seemed like she sped up a little.

Delahn stopped in front of her. "Well? What were your ideas?"

She paused. "There—"

Light caught Korel's eyes. He peered into the darkness. Bobbing lights, lots of them. A patrol. "Down!" he whispered sharply. "Hide!"

Delahn and Lady Tash spun to press their backs against nearby trees. Sahnie jumped behind a bush beside Lady Tash, but she tangled her legs, landing hard on the branches. She managed to untangle herself and curl into a crouching ball. Korel darted to a tree on Lady Tash's other side, keeping a close eye on both the patrol and the ladies.

Luda hesitated, still standing in the open.

Korel hissed at her. "What are you doing? Hide!" Why was she just standing there?

She glanced at him, then toward the patrol. He saw calculations in her eyes, tension in her body. What in depps was she doing?

Before he could hiss at her again, she jumped into the branches above and vanished from sight.

The patrol was getting closer. Korel cringed as he realized the Hranites were coming straight at them. He caught Delahn's eye and was answered with a nod; the other man saw it, too.

Lady Tash nodded as well, and she put a light hand on Sahnie's shoulder. They were ready to move if they had to.

Korel took slow breaths and scrutinized the coming patrol. Would they pass by without noticing the hiding Kenarans? Or were they too close? Could he and the others slip away before the Hranites got too close? Would they have to fight?

He looked up into the branches above. Where was Luda? Did she have a plan?

No sign of her in the trees. And the patrol was getting closer.

Korel exhaled and gestured for everyone to stay low. They would stay hidden rather than risk moving and catching attention.

Delahn had his hammer out, clutched tight in both hands. He nodded and shifted back into the shadows of the tree, pressing himself tight against the bark.

Lady Tash and Sahnie remained still. Korel examined their position and decided they were hidden well enough as they were.

Voices rumbled from the patrol. The lights came close enough to shine on the trees and bushes around them. Korel wanted to close his eyes and hold his breath, as if doing so would magically prevent the Hranites from spotting them, but forced himself to keep his breathing even and silent.

Sahnie looked at him with fear in her eyes. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring nod. They would be okay. The Hranites would pass by without noticing them.

He hoped.

He checked on the patrol and sent up a fervent prayer as the Hranites came within paces of them. _Please don't let them see us. Maker, give us this favor. Don't let them see us_.

The patrol leader made some sort of command, and the mass of Hranites shifted. It was only a slight angle, but the light crept around the trees, inching toward Korel and his compatriots.

Korel cringed, mind racing. He caught the others' eyes and carefully, slowly, eased himself around the tree, moving only a fingerlength at a time and keeping himself pressed hard into the bark. The others slowly began shifting the same way, cautiously edging away from the coming light. If they could just stay in the depths of the shadows...

A harsh Hranite voice called out.

Korel stiffened, freezing in place. Had they been seen?

Another voice called. It didn't sound like a command to charge, but it was hard to tell for sure. Korel glanced to Lady Tash, but she was no longer in his line of sight.

Light grew, casting harsher shadows around him. The Hranites were coming closer.

Korel had to focus to make himself breathe. Stay hidden, or run for it? Was it possible the Hranites wouldn't find them if they stayed put?

More voices, too close now. Too many. There was no chance.

Korel clenched his teeth, steeled himself, and bolted.

Hranite shouts rang as he caught Lady Tash around the waist, pulling her along with him. Delahn grabbed Sahnie and dashed right behind them.

With the light chasing them, it was almost impossible to see their footing clearly, or the brambles and shrubs that tore at their feet. Korel could hear nothing but yelling and thundering feet behind them. All they had to do was outrun the Hranites far enough to find a hiding place... His eyes searched the darkness ahead, seeking anything that might give them an advantage.

As Lady Tash's breathing grew ragged in his ear, he spotted a jutting of rock ahead. He raced past it and took a hard turn. The rock grew taller into a short cliff face, and he stayed close to it, searching for any hole or crevice they could duck into. The moonlight was barely enough for Korel to see by. The others fumbled behind him, panting.

The Hranites were getting close to the turn. Korel saw the cliff lowering once more, dropping back down to level. He pulled the others along faster, jumping up onto the lowered ledge and doubling back the way they'd originally come from. That should buy them some time.

"Where?" Delahn whispered between gasps of breath.

Korel hurried on, eyes seeking any hiding spot. There—a low mass of bushes. He helped Lady Tash down to the ground in their midst, then pushed Delahn and Sahnie into place. The bushes covered them entirely. Satisfied, he rolled in on the opposite side of Delahn, the two ladies tucked safely between them. He kept his hands on his swords.

Light grew. Feet tromped. Voices growled, shouted, grumbled.

Korel kept having to remind himself to breathe. He lifted the foliage in front of his eyes and saw heavy boots less than a pace from his nose. He froze, his other hand tightening on his sword hilt. He reminded himself to breathe again.

The Hranites stomped around a long time before the patrol regrouped. One shouted at the others for a while, and then they moved on.

No one moved until long after the lights had disappeared. Sahnie dropped her forehead to the dirt, gasping for air and shaking. "I... I thought they were going to see us," she whispered.

Delahn disentangled himself from the bushes and helped Sahnie to her feet as Korel did the same for Lady Tash. "It's okay now," Delahn soothed. "They're gone."

"Here," Korel said, gesturing to a rocky ledge rising from the ground and creating a sort of bench of varying angles. "Sit. Drink something. We'll catch our breath and then move on."

Lady Tash accepted his help to the seat and pulled out her waterskin. "Thank you. You found us a perfect hiding place."

Korel inwardly cringed as Sahnie fussed over Lady Tash, pulling leaves and twigs out of the grand elder's hair. "I'm sorry I couldn't find a... um..."

"Cleaner one?" Lady Tash's chuckle turned into a cough. She took another drink. "I'll settle for messy and alive, thank you."

Delahn plunked down, chugging water and then digging out some dried fruit. "What exactly happened there?"

"We almost got caught by a patrol," Korel said.

"No, I mean, what happened? Luda was steering us away from the patrols. How did we almost walk right into one?"

Korel looked around. Luda still hadn't reappeared.

He wasn't the only one to notice. "Where's Luda?" Sahnie asked. "I should check her bandages while we're stopped."

No one spoke. Korel met Delahn's eyes as the same doubts whispered through their heads.

"She led us into the path of a patrol," Delahn said.

"And then abandoned us," Korel finished.

"What?" Sahnie squeaked. "No, that can't be right. She wouldn't..." She looked around at the others' faces. "She wouldn't! Right?"

Lady Tash took another long drink and rested both of her hands on her cane. She didn't speak.

Korel remembered the look of calculation on Luda's face before she'd disappeared. Figuring out how to get away from the patrol? Or debating handing them over for a reward? His jaw clenched. There was only one explanation for them ending up right in the path of a patrol. Luda had betrayed them.

Again.

"Right?" Sahnie repeated, her voice very small.

"We're on our own," Lady Tash said, her voice quiet but firm. "We will find our way to the Tower ourselves."

"But..." Sahnie looked at the others pleadingly. "But she saved Korel... and we saved her..."

After all they'd done to save Luda's life, after Lady Tash risked her own life going to a Hranite village, Luda had turned on them. Korel's fist clenched as tight as his teeth. He stood. "We should move on."

"But..." Sahnie started again.

"We were fools to trust her," he snapped. "She betrayed us, just like before. It was probably her plan all along. We stupidly trusted her, and look where it got us!"

Sahnie looked like she was going to cry.

Lady Tash gave him a reproachful look. "Shouting will not fix this. As you said, we should move on. We cannot change what was done, but we can focus on the road ahead."

Korel winced. "Forgive me, raisa-da."

Sahnie sniffled.

Korel felt the anger and bitterness give way to remorse. "I'm sorry, Sahnie. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

She nodded, brushing rapidly at her eyes.

"Do we know where we are?" Delahn asked. "Can we find our way to the Tower on our own?" His voice held a rough edge, but also a determination to do as Lady Tash said and focus on what came next.

"I'm not certain," Lady Tash admitted, "but we may be able to get our bearings with a clearer view of the sky."

"I think that way's north," Korel started. He broke off. That was based on Luda's directions. They couldn't trust anything she had said. He wanted to shout and swear and pummel the nearest tree, but he held it together. "I'm not sure. We'll have to try to find a clearing, like you said."

They ate and drank in silence, then started off in the direction Korel hoped was northward. It was like a fog held them subdued, each wanting to speak but not having the words to say.

Delahn finally broke the silence. "Do you think she'll lead them to us?"

Korel stiffened. He hadn't thought of that.

"We'd already be caught if that was the case." Lady Tash leaned heavily on her cane as she stepped over a broad root.

Sahnie looked down and stayed silent.

"It'll be okay," Korel assured her, not really believing the words himself. Lady Tash was right, and the truth underscoring her words was plain: if Luda decided to come after them, there was nothing they could do to stop her. He looked around, trying to think of anything they could do to better mask their route.

Sahnie sniffled, still looking down.

"We'll find a way," he promised.

She paused, staring at the ground. "Wait. Can we light a torch?"

Korel looked around. The patrol was long gone, but who knew if another one was close by? "What is it?"

"I think these are..." Sahnie lightly ran her hands over some leaves sprouting from the ground between two roots.

Lady Tash leaned on her cane and bent closer. "Are those grev leaves?"

"I think so." Sahnie plucked one and sniffed it. Beaming, she held it up. "They are!"

"Good," Korel said, nodding. Hopefully they wouldn't need the leaves, but he had a dark feeling that they would. "Gather them, and let's move on."

"No, I mean, yes, but you don't know," Sahnie tripped over her words like she did over her own feet as she fumbled the leaf into a small pouch on her belt.

"Don't know what?" Delahn asked.

"Grev leaves always grow with the points to the north," she grinned. She ran her hands over the fat leaves again, then pointed. The direction was only a slight angle from the way they'd been walking. "It's that way!"

Korel looked down at the leaves, then the way they pointed. The first hint of a smile plucked at his lips. Maybe there was hope after all.

Chapter 8

Luda

Luda slipped through the trees, hardly making a rustle. Wastiks skittered from her path, clicking in displeasure as she left them behind in the proverbial dust. She paused and climbed a high perch, almost as high as the cliff beside her, and looked below. The others had escaped the patrol and were on track to Tower City. No matter. They would be found by another patrol before long, unless Korel managed to get his head together.

She snorted. Unlikely.

She returned her focus to her own task, getting back to the Tower. She slipped down the tree and resumed her path along the lower branches, staying well out of sight of anything below.

A spot of light glinted at her, slowing her pace. She darted around the trunk of the tree and crouched to peer at the source. A reflection in the moonlight, nothing more. She started to move on, but impulsively jumped down, grabbed the unknown object, and leapt back to her perch. Safely shrouded in darkness, she brushed the dirt away from the object to see what she'd found.

A necklace, the chain almost covered in rust. Only a few spots still held their shine, the shine that had caught her attention. A ring rested on the necklace, black from ages of use. She turned it over in her hands. No inscription, nothing to indicate any value or importance. She shook her head, clenching the metal in a fist. Worthless. She'd slowed herself down over a piece of junk.

Keep it down, will you?

She glanced up, startled at the sudden voice. A man, clearly, but she couldn't place where it had come from. "Who's there?"

Shh! They'll hear you!

Luda squinted into the darkness and felt the slightest heat. She turned to face the nearby cliff wall, tilting her head to seek out who was speaking to her. "Show yourself."

Would you shut up?

She hissed in displeasure, creeping closer to the source of heat. It came in rhythmic beats, warm, then cool, then warm again. It took her a moment to put together that the heat was something's breaths. Something big. Very big.

She scurried higher up the tree and got a better view of the cliff's side in the moonlight. There, a tiny movement on the edge. A claw, nearly the same color as the mottled gray rock forming the cliff face. She traced it along a massive arm, up a scale-plated body, and to an enormous head pressed tight against the rock face that almost completely camouflaged it.

A dragon.

Yes, yes, I'm a dragon, now shut up!

She narrowed her eyes. She hadn't said anything.

The dragon opened one eye and peered at her. _Oh. You sounded so loud, I thought you spoke._

She crouched on the branch and studied the beast, perplexed. This must be the dragon attacking people near the Tower, but it certainly wasn't what she'd envisioned. _What does a dragon have to hide from?_

_Plenty. They know I'm somewhere close. I've tried to fly away so many times, but there they are with their arrows and their magic._ The cliffside seemed to move as the dragon shuddered. _If someone finds out I'm hiding here, they'll come after me again._

He painted a far different picture from the tales the Hranites told of a marauding beast. _I wouldn't think Hranites would be such a bother to a dragon. You breathe fire, don't you?_

_I wouldn't call it breathing, it's more like... That's beside the point. You think I haven't tried that? They hide behind little holes in the Tower walls and attack from there, where I can't reach them. They never stop._ The cliffside shuddered again. _You won't tell them I'm here, will you?_

She frowned. _How can I hear you?_

I don't know. How would I know?

Metal rubbed on metal in her hand. She looked down at the rusted chain and black ring. Lady Tash had spoken about the ring that created a bond between a person and a dragon. She lightly rubbed the ring. She certainly didn't feel bonded.

Look, are you going to rat me out or not?

Not.

He snuffed. _Good._

You could do me a favor.

Oh, great, here it comes.

I need to get to the Tower.

He snorted so hard, it shook the tree she sat in. _That's where all the arrows and magic come from! No way._

I could help you get away from here.

Yeah, right.

It's true.

He snorted again, quieter this time. The cliffside appeared to jiggle as he readjusted his position. _Move on, small meat thing. I'm not going anywhere_.

Luda remained silent a moment longer, but it was clear the dragon had no interest in further conversation. She turned and slid down the tree, back to the lower branches. She had lost time with this detour. After a pause, she put the necklace on and dropped the ring under her tunic. The cold metal sent a jolt up her aching left shoulder, but she ignored it. It wouldn't be long before she could see to that.

All she had to do was get to the Tower before the others.

Chapter 9

"Could we all hide under our cloaks, like Lady Tash did?" Sahnie suggested.

Korel sighed and once again checked outside their chosen hiding spot for the day. After a night of walking and a day of rest, they'd reached Tower City and done a careful perimeter around it to see what they were dealing with. "Delahn and I are pretty short for Hranites."

"You could be kids."

"Hidden faces won't pass well in Tower City," Lady Tash said. "They'll be more alert, watching for anything suspicious. One old crone with a hood keeping the cold off her head isn't out of the ordinary, but four people with hidden faces certainly would be."

"What about the back entrance to the city? Isn't it closer to the Tower itself?" Delahn asked.

Lady Tash referred back to the crude map they'd drawn in the dirt after their scouting. "It might be, but if it's closer to the Tower, then it'll be even more heavily guarded." She exhaled. "I don't know how we'll get into the city unnoticed, much less into the Tower."

Delahn studied the map and shook his head. "It's impossible."

"I said I don't know how. That doesn't mean impossible." Lady Tash rubbed her chin, and a half-smile quirked her mouth. "I can see why Luda felt Hranite custody might be the only way into the Tower."

"Omaht!" Sahnie gasped.

The grand elder waved her hands as the men gave similar protest. "Only an old lady's musings. We'll find a way in. One that doesn't involve being in captivity."

Sahnie gripped the older woman's hand. "We _will_ find a way."

Lady Tash patted Sahnie's hands with her free one. "Of course we will."

"I could make another scout trip now, in the daylight," Korel offered. "I might spot something that isn't present at night."

"Nighttime will be the best time to infiltrate," Delahn countered, "when everyone's asleep."

"But there are more crowds in daytime," Korel said.

"Easier to slip through unnoticed," Lady Tash mused. She nodded. "Take a look. Be careful."

Korel checked their hiding place carefully to make sure it was secure before slipping through the forest, keeping to the shadows and away from the beams of daylight floating through the leafy canopy above.

It wasn't long before he heard evidence of a patrol ahead, and he ducked into hiding behind a broad, prickly shrub. The Hranites grumbled and muttered as they marched their route.

He waited until they were well past before moving again. They'd already seen most of the circular route the patrols took around the city at regular intervals while they did their earlier scouting. He should be safe now as long as he stayed inside the dense forest, away from the clear-cut swathe around the city's high walls and from the dense guard clusters peering over the edges of said wall.

He crept closer to the heavily rutted road leading into the city's main gate. Hranites shuffled in and out of the city in a busy stream, the empty-handed wandering amongst those laden with goods. He watched various carts with heavy loads creak up to the entrance, get checked by guards, and go on their way into the city. Could they hide in one of those? Or could they hope to blend into the mass of people flowing into the city?

It was going to be tricky, whatever they decided to do. Hiding their faces would call suspicion. Leaving their faces uncovered wasn't a choice either, for obvious reasons.

He cringed back a pace as a group of Hranites kicked and shoved a mass of Kenaran prisoners into the city. As much as he wanted to charge in and free the captives, he knew it would get them nowhere. And he had a more important mission to finish. The knowledge didn't ease the sick feeling as he turned away.

Still, a new idea bloomed in his mind as he hurried back to the others. Maybe...

He checked around their hiding place for signs of Hranites once more before slipping in to rejoin the others.

"Well?" Delahn asked. "Find anything?"

Korel turned to Lady Tash. "Raisa-da, do you still have that message and messenger seal?"

"We talked about that while you were gone," Sahnie said. "It would get her into the city, but not the rest of us."

"Unless she was bringing us in as prisoners," Korel said.

The others looked at each other.

"Here," he dug out some rope and half-wrapped it around his wrists. "See? We'll make it look like we're tied up. We'll hang our heads like we're beaten. And she'll use the seal to get through the guards. She'll walk us straight into the city."

"And what do we do then, turn ourselves over to the Tower?" Delahn asked.

"We find a side street or alley. We hide, we scout the Tower, we figure out the rest of the plan once we have a better idea of what we're up against." Korel searched the others' faces. "At least it gets us inside the city."

"It may be our best option," Lady Tash conceded.

"You don't think we can hide amongst the people coming into the city?" Delahn prodded, frowning. "Or are there deliveries coming in we could—"

"There are plenty of people and plenty of carts, but too many guards. They're checking every cart that goes through."

Lady Tash dug out her now-worn message and seal. "I think Korel's idea could work."

Sahnie shivered. "What if they try to take us from you?"

"I'll persuade them otherwise." Lady Tash's mouth had a firm set to it.

"I'm not a fan," Delahn grunted. "But if that's the only option..."

"We'll keep an eye out for any other options as we get closer," Lady Tash promised. She studied the others. "We'll have to find a way to hide your weapons and armor. They won't believe you're my prisoners otherwise."

They worked at sorting through their bags to make room to hide their armor. It was easy enough to tuck Korel's swords and Sahnie's knives along the sides of bags—out of sight but not out of reach—but Delahn's hammer was another matter. They finally managed to strap it across his back with his cloak and a pack covering it. It would be harder for him to draw in case things turned bad, but it was better than nothing.

Sahnie was the one to come up with the idea of packing the rest of their food over the armor in the packs so that they could playact being overburdened with goods being delivered to the Tower. They loaded themselves up, hiding some armor under cloaks and the rest buried well in the packs, and Lady Tash deftly tied half-knots around their wrists.

She stopped at Korel. Her eyes flicked over his face. "Korel..."

His face flamed, but he silently pulled off the mask and stuffed it into his pack, then held out his hands to be 'bound.' She respectfully dipped her head and tied the faux knots in place.

They all walked together east, getting some distance from the main gate before they would leave the forest and join the travelers on the main road. As they reached the edge of the forest, Lady Tash took up the lead rope, and the others fell into place behind her.

Korel's heart thudded as they stepped out onto the road. He remembered to keep his face down to avoid drawing attention to his appearance, keeping his back hunched low, properly submissive and overburdened as a prisoner. Still, he made surreptitious glances around himself as often as he dared. No one really paid any attention to the cluster of 'prisoners,' being a common sight on this road, but Lady Tash got frequent sidelong glances. In spite of the looks, she carried herself with such authority that no one questioned her.

The trudge to the gate seemed to take forever, Korel feeling certain that at any moment someone would see them for frauds and sound the alarm. But aside from a few rough jostles, no one paid them much mind.

The walk took so long, he was startled when gravelly Hranite voices finally cut through the clamor of the crowd. "You! Kadrian!"

Lady Tash flashed the seal, barely turning her face enough for Korel to glimpse her expression of disdain. "Tower business. Carry on."

The Hranite guard caught her arm and roughly jerked her to face him. "Mind your tone, old woman. What sort of business do you have with the Tower?"

She sighed impatiently. "It's hardly your business what dealings go on in the Tower, _gate guard_. You saw my seal. I am taking these prisoners to the Tower along with a vital message. You want to be reported for obstructing the message flow?"

The guard's scowl deepened. He shoved her away and cast a glare across the others.

Korel quickly ducked his head before the guard could see his face.

His heart thudded all the louder as he waited, hoping the guard's attention had moved along. He fought to keep his breathing even.

Footsteps stomped up to him, and a hand grabbed his arm, yanking hard. "Let's see your face, prisoner," the guard snarled. "You—"

Korel jerked his other arm upward to keep it beside the gripped arm, but it was too late. The ropes tightened against the half-knot, and it broke free.

"What the—" The guard growled and caught Sahnie's arm with his other hand, yanking it forward. Her ropes fell free, too. "The prisoners are loose!"

Korel tore his sword out with his free hand and spun to face a mob of guards lumbering toward them. Some of the travelling Hranites lurched forward; others scurried away from the fight with cries of alarm. Cries that drew all the more Hranites onward.

Sahnie squeaked in pain as the first guard heaved her forward. Korel swung on the man, slashing deep into his arm. The Hranite let them both go. Korel pulled his other sword out and swung both at once, dispatching the man before turning to the next. Lady Tash swung her cane sharply at any who dared to come close. Delahn struggled to yank his hammer free, but the Hranites were already on him.

Korel slashed and dodged, ducking under one blow and coming up through the next, slicing at anything he could reach, but the fight was hopelessly one-sided. Sahnie screamed as a hulking Hranite caught her and pulled her away. Korel tried to fight his way to her and stopped short at the sight of one of her own blades being held at her throat.

"Throw your weapons down," the Hranite growled.

Korel paused, clenching the hilts. Was there any chance, any way...

Lady Tash gripped his shoulder. "Do as they say."

He glanced back. Delahn was already held by two Hranites. Another held tight to Lady Tash's upper arm, her free hand only barely reaching Korel. Tears streaked down Sahnie's cheeks. And there were so many Hranites still standing and ready to fight. Too many.

Korel released his grip, and the swords tumbled to his feet.

The guards bound them—properly this time—and held them aside while other guards efficiently cleaned up the mess and got the flow in and out of the city back to its normal rate. Korel kept his face down, but still got plenty of sneers and kicks in his direction.

Once things were flowing smoothly again, a group of guards marched them through the city. Vendors on either side of the road paused their advertising shouts to hurl insults, then went right back to hollering about the goods they had to sell. Smells of food intermingled with smells of too many people crowded together. People sneered and laughed at them as they passed.

The Tower loomed above them, moss-set dark stones framing the thin slits spiraling up the height with no signs of any real windows.

Guards at the entrance parted, two pushing open the massive wood doors. Korel felt his heart sinking to the ground. They were captives of the Tower now. They'd be locked away or executed. They'd failed.

The doors led to a broad hallway. It wasn't long, but it felt even longer than the slow walk up to the city's gate. The walk to the end. He looked down at the heavily worn yellow runner beneath their feet.

Sounds came from the other end of the hallway, people talking, dishes clinking. He could see a massive table, the people seated on the other side adorned with symbols indicating their importance. Yellow banners lined the dark stone walls behind them. In the center, in the largest chair, sat a particularly skeletal man with metal badges and ribbons covering his entire front, a strangely pointed hat perched on his head. The ruler, clearly. The man was speaking to someone near the room's entrance, just out of sight from the hallway.

The guards shoved their prisoners into the room, the lead ones stepping aside to let the dignitaries behind the table get a good look. "Prisoners. This one had a messenger seal—"

"You see, this is _exactly_ what I was talking about," a familiar voice came from their left.

Korel had been hanging his head, but he snapped upright now and stared openly at Luda.

She gestured toward them dismissively. Her normally flat voice took on vibrant inflections, bizarre to hear. "Every little peasant trying to get away with something being trotted before you like they're someone of importance? Ridiculous."

A guard on the other side of the walkway glared. "Mind your tone, Tulvan—"

But the ruler chuckled and waved the guard aside. "What do you propose we do with them? Kiss them and send them on their way?"

"Sure. Or laugh at them and put them in a cage in city's center for others to laugh, too. What does it matter?"

"What does it matter?" the guard huffed. "It's our leniency that has allowed things like that uprising in Emerton!"

"Uprising?" Luda scoffed. "Hardly an uprising. Last I heard, there haven't been any attacks in days. Your control over the people is secure, your excellency, unlike what the overparanoid might want you to believe." She shot a glance at the guard before returning her attention to the leader. "It's these petty dealings that undermine your authority. How can people respect a Lord and Ruler who feels threatened by meaningless peasants?"

She turned and cast an unimpressed look over the group. "I'll bet you a hundred units I can tell you exactly who these people are and why they're here."

The ruler laughed. "Very well, let's hear it."

Luda stalked over, studying them each in turn. Korel tried to catch her eye, tried to get some idea of what she was up to. A tiny hope flickered in his heart. She hadn't identified the Lady yet. Did that mean she didn't plan to?

Luda jabbed a finger at Delahn. "Metalworker. Aspirations of greatness. Along for muscle, not for brains."

Delahn glared, but she was already moving on to Korel. "Freak of nature. Fancies himself a resistance leader. Wants to rescue the royal family. Delusions of grandeur."

Sahnie. "Healer—no, herbalist. Brave front, but a coward when things get rough."

Korel wanted to shout at her as Sahnie hung her head and sniffled, but he bit his tongue to keep quiet. Until he knew for sure what Luda's game was, he wasn't going to risk exposing Lady Tash.

Luda stopped in front of the grand elder, looked over the older woman, and smirked. "And then we have this piece of work."

Korel stared her down as if his thoughts could break through into her mind. _Don't reveal who Lady Tash is. Don't you dare!_

"A little old gibroot farmer who got her hands on a messenger seal and thought she could be someone of importance," Luda sneered. She turned and spread her hands, her performance over.

The leader eyed them. "Well? Tell me she's wrong and win me the money."

"I'm not a coward." Sahnie's voice broke.

The ruler snorted. "No help there. Anyone else?"

Lady Tash spoke quietly. "She's wrong."

"Oh?"

Korel shot a look at the grand elder. What was she thinking? Luda had just given them a chance to hide their identities.

The leader leaned forward. "Well, old woman?"

After a long pause, Lady Tash looked away, her face downcast. "It's a nevvit farm, not gibroot."

Luda groaned. "Of course, I should've seen the red under the fingernails. Simple mistake. Still, a root farmer either way. I'm sure that counts."

"I'm not so convinced. There's a big difference between a gibroot and a nevvit," the ruler smirked.

"Fifty-fifty," Luda shrugged. "We'll call it even."

One of the women next to the ruler leaned closer. "How long are you going to endure this brash, disrespectful Tulvan?"

"Only a few moments longer," Luda said cheerfully before he could answer.

The woman huffed, but the leader waved her off, amusement in his sideways eyes. "For as long as I stay entertained. Or until dessert."

"And my pass through the kitchen promises dessert to be delicious," Luda drawled. "Now, are these insignificant grubs really worth your valuable time?"

"You want us to put them in a cage in the middle of town."

"Not these ones." Luda plopped an arm on Delahn's shoulder and leaned heavily on him. He tried to twist away, but she didn't miss a step, swaying right along with him. "Let me take them downstairs and give them some... special treatment. Then give me a cagecart and let me take them across the wall. We'll go on a grand tour through the towns for everyone to have a good laugh." She flicked Delahn's ear. "What's life without a laugh?"

She straightened, inspecting her claws as if bored. "And I'll deliver your new ruling that trivial peasants like these are to be handled with scorn and humiliation instead of validating their little 'causes' with force."

"And I suppose you're doing this, what, out of the goodness of your heart?" The ruler raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, your excellency. Out of the goodness of my heart for the generous stipend you'll be giving me to finance the tour."

"You forget your place," a guard growled, aiming a sword her direction.

She lazily took the tip of the sword between two claws and flicked it away. "What do you say, oh great one? I get a leisurely vacation through Kenara, and you get a brand new policy which keeps you from being constantly pestered with meaningless peasants." She spread her arms in a broad bow. "It's a win-win."

"You have your own delusions of grandeur," the leader declared.

"I don't doubt it."

He smirked again. "I like your brass, Tulvan. I find it... amusing. And I haven't forgotten what you did for us." He nodded. "Very well. Guards, hand these prisoners over to—"

Voices came from the hallway. Korel glanced back and was stunned to see a group of Hranites with Korvedan in the middle stride past him into the room. "Korvedan?"

The wiry Elf jumped, stared, then spotted Luda.

Her eyes flashed dark.

He jabbed a finger at her. "Grab her! She's turned!"

The guards lunged forward, just missing her as she sprang over their heads, kicking off them toward the leader. More guards shouted, rushing between her and their ruler. The people at the tables shrieked and scrambled back, away from the fight.

Korel took advantage of the distraction to ram into the nearest guard. Another guard hefted him painfully by his bound wrists and threw him to the floor. Other guards moved closer to get a tighter hold of Delahn and the ladies.

Hoping against hope, Korel twisted to see Luda. It was hard to make out anything through the mass of shouting, flailing guards. He occasionally saw a flash of movement near their feet, knocking one down, or a guard would go flying out of the circle.

Luda jumped up onto a guard's shoulders and knocked him backwards, making another leap for the ruler, but other guards had pulled the leader away from the table and stood between her and her target. Hands grabbed for her legs as she sprang, and she landed hard on the stone floor. Guards piled on top of her. In moments, they emerged in some form of roughed-up order, nursing bloody wounds. In the midst was Luda, hands shackled behind her back.

"Explain," the leader hissed, glaring toward Korvedan.

"She's been helping these people try to free the Princess," Korvedan said. He scowled at the guards holding Lady Tash. "Separate the old one, you idiots."

The Hranite ruler narrowed his sideways eyes at the group of prisoners. "Who is she? The Tulvan said they're peasants."

Korvedan snorted. "Peasants?"

"Don't," Korel begged. "Korvedan, don't!"

"She's Lady Tash. You know, formerly Princess Tashan? Ruler of all Kenara?"

Understanding lit up the leader's face. "Magnificent." He glared and spat in Luda's direction. "You thought to betray us, Tulvan?"

"She thought to free the entire royal family," Korvedan snorted. "It was an ill-formed idea from the set, but I followed along to see how far they got."

The leader's glare turned on the wiry elf. "I'd call this pretty far."

"I tried to separate them from the Tulvan so I could lead them to a patrol and reveal who they are. It didn't work, so I tried to lead a patrol to them." He shot a dark look toward the Hranites that had entered with him. "They wouldn't believe who I was, so by the time we were on course, the prisoners were already gone."

The leader scowled a moment longer, then hmphed. "At least you got here in time. You'll be remunerated for your work."

Korvedan bowed and turned to leave through a side door.

"Korvedan, you vile traitor!" Korel shouted. "How could you do this?"

Without turning back or slowing his stride, Korvedan snorted. "Don't be naïve. The rule of life is adapt or die. I did the former." He smirked. "And you're doing the latter."

The guards hauled Korel to his feet and dragged him, along with the others, forward to stand behind Luda. Lady Tash was positioned a short distance away. "What do we do with the prisoners, your excellency?"

The leader's sneer slowly passed over them. It stopped on Lady Tash. "Former Princess Tashan."

"Prime Chancellor Gullat." She remained as calm and controlled as ever.

"You thought you were going to free your family—by pretending to be a peasant?" He laughed. "And I heard you were smart."

She only smiled in return. "It got me this far."

His smile faded.

"And to think, if Korvedan had been just a couple minutes slower—"

"Take them," Gullat barked in a high-pitched voice. "Lock her with the others. Execute the Nim and the Elf."

Sahnie whimpered.

"The freak can entertain our troops. As for the Tulvan..." He glared down at Luda. "Make it last as long as possible."

Luda snarled in response.

Some of the guards cringed away, but most of them levelled their swords at her, surrounding her with a fence of sharp blades.

Gullat snorted. "Keep her contained."

The other dignitaries cautiously edged back toward their seats as the guards nudged their prisoners onward. Several hurled insults as Lady Tash was led first, followed by Delahn and Sahnie, then Korel, and finally the cluster of guards maintaining the blade-fence around Luda.

The insults grew until they faded into laughter behind closing doors. The Hranite guards marched them none-too-gently down a long, curving corridor bordered by yellow banners with obscure symbols on them.

Korel looked down, his mind in a blur. Korvedan? He'd been playing them the whole time. Luda had been playing, too, but an entirely different game than any of them could have imagined.

He finally spoke. "This was your plan all along. To get us to the Tower and get them to hand us over to you."

Luda's voice was quiet. "I should have told you."

"You think?" Delahn grunted.

A guard shoved Korel. "Shut it, prisoners."

Korel wanted to snap back, but it wouldn't do any good. They were beaten. Sahnie was still whimpering and sniffling as she trudged behind Delahn. Lady Tash remained composed, but there was nothing she could do, either. And Luda, with all those blades on her—there wasn't a fingerlength she could move without getting impaled.

They slowed down. The hall continued forward, but on one side was a spiraling stair upward, with a matching downward spiral on the opposite side. The guards pulled Lady Tash toward the upward staircase. As the others were pushed past her, Korel caught her eye, hoping to convey all his regrets, all his apologies in a look.

Luda, behind them, was pushed toward the downward stairs. But she stopped, still in the hallway, and looked over the others before setting her gaze on Lady Tash. "I'm so sorry. For... for everything. Words aren't enough."

"Keep moving, Tulvan," a guard growled. The ones with Lady Tash and the others came to a stop, watching closely and ready to move if needed.

Luda closed her eyes. "Words aren't enough," she repeated, quieter now.

"Tulvan," the guard barked out a warning. The Hranites around her edged closer, the sword points brushing her arms, her chest, her back.

She drew in a deep breath, then slowly let it out.

Her eyes flashed open, the darkest Korel had ever seen. With a snarl, she lunged sideways into the row of swords. Guards shouted in alarm. A couple dropped their swords, tripping backwards. Blood gushed from her chest and arm as she choked and slumped.

"What in the..." Stunned guards lowered their swords. The few holding the swords impaling her stumbled and lost their grips.

But she didn't fall. Her uninjured arm swung up and yanked one of the swords free, the shackles hanging loose from her wrist. She threw the blade outside the circle. "Elf!"

The Hranites' cries of alarm multiplied as they surged toward Luda.

Korel spun and caught the hilt with his bound hands. Her aim had been perfect. Before the guards beside him could react, he'd slashed through Delahn's bindings. Delahn caught the blade and returned the favor before swinging on the nearest guard.

Sahnie shrieked and ducked, then came up hard under a lunging guard, knocking him back. Delahn cut her free and spun to face the next guard, but none were left near them. All the guards scrambled to recapture the crazed Tulvan.

"The Lady!" Korel barked, snatching a loose sword and rushing the stairs.

Only a couple of guards remained with Lady Tash, and they quickly realized their error as Delahn and Korel charged them. Korel ducked under a swing and lunged, dispatching the first one. He turned to the second, but Delahn had things well in hand. Korel turned to the grand elder, quickly cutting her free.

Sahnie hurried to the older woman's side, clutching a blade far too unwieldy for her grip. "Go! Get in there!"

Korel and Delahn turned to the chaos in the hallway below them. Luda was somehow still going despite the blood streaking her tunic. Her claws slashed through one guard's hamstrings as she ducked beneath another's strike. A blade came at her, and she kicked it upward, straight into an opposite Hranite's shoulder. A guard caught her injured arm and lunged. She twisted sideways, grabbed his wrist, and thrust his sword into an oncoming attacker. The first attacker flew over her shoulder, knocking three others flat.

"Go!" Sahnie repeated, shoving them forward.

Korel charged in, Delahn at his side. He slashed his way around the outside of the circular mass, getting his hands on a second blade in the process. The Hranite blades weren't as light or well-balanced as his own, but it was close enough. Only a few Hranites seemed to realize the threat was coming from outside the fight as well as inside, and he and Delahn only met minor resistance as they fought to thin the Hranite numbers.

Korel hadn't realized how close he was to the center until Luda caught his arm, thrusting him forward to parry three strikes. Her dark eyes suddenly flickered in recognition, and she planted a foot at his knee. He barely had time to brace before she kicked off, twisting through the air above a flurry of blows and landing behind her attackers. She slashed at the backs of their necks with her razor-sharp claws, and they fell in seconds.

Delahn kicked a guard back and swung hard, too hard for the woman to block, and she fell. Korel spun twice before realizing there were no guards left save one Luda was already dispatching.

She stood in the midst of the bodies, her chest heaving, that wild darkness still in her eyes.

"Luda," Korel said, taking a step forward, unsure what to expect.

The darkness faded from her eyes. She stumbled backwards into the wall and sank down, leaving a long, bloody smear on the stones.

"Luda!" Sahnie tripped her way to the Tulvan's side. She sucked in a breath and pressed a hand over the gash in Luda's chest. "Just hang on, I'm sure we can find—"

Luda caught Korel's wrist and yanked him closer. "Northwest tower. Fifth level." She winced, her breathing growing more ragged. "Sahnie's grev leaf. For Koleatara."

"They took our bags—"

"No, I still have the ones I picked on my belt," Sahnie said. "Luda, you have to lie down—"

Lady Tash reached past them to Luda.

Luda released Korel and caught the grand elder's wrist instead. "Save..." Luda coughed, a nasty choking sound. "Save your energy. For your family."

Luda's color suddenly improved, and a touch of the rasp left her breathing. She flinched and shoved Lady Tash's hand away.

Lady Tash wiped blood from her nose and swayed. "Luda, let me heal you. We need—"

"You've done enough. I'll hold them off here as long as I can." Luda leveraged herself back up the wall with another choke-cough.

"Let me—"

Delahn gently caught Lady Tash's arm before she could touch the Tulvan again. "Luda's right, raisa-da. You'll need your strength."

"I know I can never make up for what I've done," Luda said, voice quiet. "But I'll do whatever it takes to get you and your family to freedom."

Lady Tash met the Tulvan's eyes. "You have earned your rest." She pressed a fist over her heart.

Luda lowered her head and returned the salute.

"We need to go," Korel said, eying the hallway. There was no way the fight could have gone unheard. "Raisa-da..."

Lady Tash nodded and hurried with them to the stairs.

Sahnie lingered, but finally dug into a pouch at her side and pressed a leaf into Luda's hands. "It won't do much, but..."

Luda nodded. "Go."

Chapter 10

Luda

Luda chewed on the bitter leaf, feeling some strength return. It wasn't nearly enough, but she would make it count. She tore a sleeve from one of her fallen enemies and tied it tight over the gaping wound in her chest. The rest would have to wait. She could hear the approaching feet thumping on the stone floor.

Seven guards rounded the corner and came to a full stop, gaping at Luda standing in the midst of over a dozen Hranite bodies. She flicked her claws out, lowered into a fighting stance, and snarled.

Four of them bolted. The other three quickly realized they'd lost over half their numbers and fled after the others.

Luda exhaled. The pain stretched through her body again, encouraging her to lie down and sleep forever. She pushed it aside once more. She would hold this position as long as she possibly could.

_Maker, forgive me_. She focused on her breathing, letting the intense focus push the agony into the background. _Grant me only this. Let my death count. Let the royal family escape. Let the Hranites be beaten and the land be safe again._

More feet clattering. A lot more. They came from the far end of the hallway this time. A mass of guards rounded the corner and slowed, assessing the situation. Staring at her, at the bodies around her feet.

She took the fighting stance once more, claws ready, snarl revealing her fangs. She knew they saw the blood covering her, but to them, it would be impossible to know if it was her own or from the Hranites around her. The fact that she was standing and they weren't would hopefully cause these new guards to assume the latter. It would buy her time, at the very least.

The guards at the front of the column filling the hallway called out orders. Shieldbearers hurried forward and braced themselves together, forming a wall.

Luda didn't move, but she could feel her strength slipping. The agony crept back into her focus. She wouldn't last much longer. She tensed her fingers, keeping her claws at the ready. If these Hranites would just hurry up, she could take some with her as she fell.

The mass of guards tromped forward, slowly and cautiously. "Stand down, Tulvan," a voice barked from behind the shield wall. "We'll make it swift."

If only they knew. She drew up the last of her energy and darkened her face, ready to lunge. All it would take was one good jump to get over the shield wall. Panic would take care of at least a quarter of them at the sudden sight of her in their midst. They would run into each other, trample any that fell, with any luck accidentally hit each other in their flailing for her. The remaining three-quarters... With any hope, she could at least delay them for a few minutes.

The wall edged closer. Almost there...

Spears and blades poked out above the shields. She would have laughed if she hadn't had to keep her focus on holding the pain at bay. This was it. She exhaled slowly.

The wall hesitated, as if sensing the change. "Tulvan," the voice warned again.

She bolted forward. One of the shieldbearers hadn't realized he was holding his shield at a slight angle; she kicked off it and twisted in midair to flip right the weapons aimed her way. She caught the shaft of a spear and used it to vault herself even further into their midst.

Screams echoed around her as she slashed at every slight movement, letting her focus pour out into the Fight. She dodged under a strike and disarmed the woman with a slash of claws. Rolled into another's feet and jumped over the next before anyone could react in time to change directions. The Fight flowed through her, but weaker this time. She didn't have long.

Something pierced her side. She caught it with one hand and twisted it around, returning it to its owner's chest even as she kicked off another attempted strike.

Too many. Not enough Fight left in her.

She pushed harder, launching into a frenzy, giving herself fully to what remained of the Fight. Two came at her from behind. She slid sideways, knocking them over her hip and into the next few coming from the front. She jumped onto their backs and flipped over another two, slashing with her claws the second they looked up to track her and exposed their necks.

A blade caught her leg. She staggered sideways. The Fight abandoned her too soon.

A heavy blow came from behind. She landed hard on her hands and knees. She sensed rather than saw the Hranites surging forward, blades poised for the kill.

The last thing she knew was the wall beside her exploding.

* * *

Regivithe

Belching out a fresh burst of fire onto the archers at the top of the wall, Regivithe dug past the broken rock, found his target, and spiraled away from the Tower. He unleashed another wash of flame over the archers as he finished the spiral, then flapped hard, diving toward the dense forest below. The trees there grew tall enough to hide him, at least partly. They'd see his movement through the forest as trees bent and broke around him, but if he could get around the cliffside, he could disappear before they could get their trackers on his trail.

Tiny meat things skittered away as he charged through the forest on his legs and one arm, the other curled close to himself and holding the small meat thing.

_I heard you talking to Maker. I know that's eavesdropping. I don't care._ He snuffed steam to help clear the path ahead of him as he took a sharp turn. _I thought, if you really think you can get me out of here, then it's worth trying. I like the idea of the Hranite-things being beaten. I like the idea of the land being safe. Besides, I couldn't just sit there and do nothing while they kill you. That would be... like them._

He pressed close to the cliff edge and crept along to the crevasse he'd discovered. The place where the trackers always lost him. _So? Can you get me away from this cursed land or not?_

There was no answer. He brought the small meat thing close to his face. She wasn't moving. He smelled blood, lots of it. He snuffed in displeasure and brought his other finger to hover over her body, releasing his energy.

Nothing happened. There wasn't enough life left in her to draw the energy in.

_Come on, small meat thing_. He jiggled his hand as if he could shake her back to life. Still nothing. He leaned closer and breathed a gentle burst of heat over her, then tried to give his energy again.

It hovered above her for a moment, then shot into her like an arrow. She was on her feet in the same moment, claws out and eyes wild.

He snuffed. _I already told you why I came for you. If you weren't listening, too bad_.

She stared. _The Tower—_

Yeah, the Tower. I got you from there.

I have to go back.

He snuffed, harder this time. _Are you joking? That's where they almost killed you! And I almost got myself killed getting you out of there!_

Her eyes focused on his, her thoughts coming to him in a frenetic jumble. _Thank you. But I have to go back._

Images flickered through his mind, war and death and cruelty. Then flashes of faces coupled with an intense desire to rescue them, a need to see them to safety.

He recoiled. _Stop that_.

_I didn't—_ She touched a spot on her tunic, and he felt the stir of dragon energy from the ring she carried there. _Just get me back to the city. You can stay in the forest and hide. But I have to go back._

He scowled. _You're going to make me regret saving you_.

Chapter 11

Korel ran up the stairs ahead of Lady Tash, Sahnie helping the grand elder while Delahn ran at the rear. The guards, thankfully, stood far enough from the stairway to intercept them as they ran past each floor. Delahn had to deal with the few that were fast enough to catch up, but with the higher ground and narrow stairway, it was easy enough to dispatch them, their bodies tumbling back down the stairs and creating an obstacle for the other Hranites in pursuit.

They were amassing a following, but Korel couldn't let himself dwell on that. He focused instead on counting the floors. Fourth floor... Fifth. He charged forward and slashed through one guard, two—

A third lunged at him with a shout, but Korel's momentum carried him easily under the strike. He swung backwards and cut the Hranite down before the guard could correct.

The last guard stared, then bolted. Sahnie threw a dagger squarely into the woman's back. "Keep going!"

The directive was unnecessary; Korel was already racing down the hallway, only slowing enough to make sure the others were keeping up. Voices rose from cells as they passed, some swiping toward them while others cheered them on.

Northwest. Luda had said northwest. He was all turned around. "Northwest?" he barked over his shoulder.

"Left!" Lady Tash called back.

"You're sure?"

She panted, but nodded. "I can feel them."

He took the upcoming left without another word.

More guards. He lunged before they had a chance to see it coming. It was over in moments. He huffed air and ran harder. As long as they could keep taking the guards by surprise, they'd be okay. He didn't want to think of what would happen when the charging mass of guards behind them caught up.

A massive door loomed ahead on the left.

"There!" Lady Tash gasped. The grand elder wouldn't be able to keep this pace up much longer.

Korel cringed at the knowledge and slammed his shoulder into the door. The sooner they found her family...

Voices rose in alarm. A half-dozen guards surged to their feet in the circular room rimmed by cells.

"Delahn," he barked.

"Sahnie, the door," Lady Tash panted. She and the Nim scrambled to shove the door shut behind Delahn, wedging themselves against it to hold back the coming Hranites.

The guards were already on them. Korel dodged one and parried the next. A flash of memory shot through his mind, and he twisted just in time to let the next attack fly past him and into the Hranite he'd just ducked. He wished he'd had more time to learn fighting techniques from Luda.

Even though Delahn no longer had his hammer, he still swung high and heavy. Korel ducked to his friend's side and filled in below, watching their sides to keep the guards from flanking them. He caught one and knocked her feet out from under her, then slashed downward to end her while slashing his other blade...¿ upward to stop the next blow from reaching him. Delahn blocked another incoming strike, and Korel changed direction to lunge at the next Hranite about to swing on the stockier Elf.

There were only a couple left. Korel came up under Delahn's swing to catch one unprepared. The other one landed a solid punch at the same time, knocking Korel across the floor. The Hranite charged after him, sword poised for the kill.

Korel slammed into cell bars and tumbled sideways, only barely catching a glimpse of the sword missing him by a fingerlength. He scrambled to regain his footing, but his head thudded dully, slowing his movements. The Hranite laughed and swung again.

Meaty hands shot out between the cell bars. One caught the Hranite's wrist, disarming him. The other hand caught the blade's hilt and plunged it into the guard.

Korel regained his footing and turned to the cell. He found himself face-to-face with Levan, Princess Koleatara's husband.

The burly Nim pointed to the wall. "The keys!"

Korel spun. Delahn had dispatched the other guard. He now helped the women brace the door against the thundering fists and feet of too many Hranites. Korel spotted the key ring and raced to it, fumbling through the keys to find the right one.

"Come on, come on," Levan pressed, beckoning him onward. He grabbed the key ring, found the right key, and reached through the bars to unlock his cell. He ran to the door, joining the others in bracing it with much better results. "Mam, go help Koli!"

Lady Tash pulled Sahnie away from the doors, took the proffered keys, and hurried to the cells. Korel took a look around—most of them were empty, but one held a Kadrian lying crumpled in the corner. Princess Koleatara. He felt sick. "Is she..."

Lady Tash unlocked the door, and the two women hurried in. "She's alive," Lady Tash said. "Find some water."

"My cell," Levan barked. "They kept her drugged so she couldn't use magic. Not that her healing would have done anything to get us out of here."

Korel found a small bucket of water in the man's cell and rushed it over to the women. Sahnie already worked at crushing a grev leaf and something else into a small bowl she'd found in the cell. She mixed in the water and carefully fed it to the princess.

Lady Tash gripped her daughter's hand, waiting tensely. Finally, the younger Kadrian stirred. She blinked. "Mam?"

Lady Tash pulled her daughter into her arms. "Levan's here. We haven't seen your children."

"They're being kept in the next room. Didn't want all the magic users in one place," Levan said bitterly. He grunted and re-adjusted his shoulder against the door. His feet slid a fingerlength. "We need to move!"

Korel stood. "Can you stand, raisa-ro?" He held out a hand to the princess.

She took it and stood unsteadily. "I may need help."

Lady Tash supported her daughter on one side, and Sahnie hurried to Koleatara's other side, taking Korel's place to aid the princess.

"Can we fight our way out?" Sahnie asked, staring at the shuddering door as it budged inward again. Korel hurried to join the others bracing it.

Delahn bashed his shoulder into the door, regaining them a fingerlength. "Not likely," he said through gritted teeth.

Lady Tash helped her daughter out of the cell and eyed the walls. "In the next room, you said?"

"Mam, _no_." Koleatara frowned. "Neither of us is strong enough for that."

"Strength is regained—"

"Once the magic begins, but neither of us is strong enough to last that long. And I'm not so sure you'll handle it even then. It's _more_ power, remember? Your body can't take it."

Lady Tash turned to Levan. "Which side?"

"Don't you dare," Koleatara ordered.

He glanced between the two women before deferring to the grand elder. He nodded to the west side of the room. "That way."

"Mam," Koleatara pressed. "We'll find another way."

The door budged inward. Sahnie shrieked as a hand wielding a blade swung through the crack. Korel caught the wrist and bashed the attacker's hand against the wall until the blade clattered to the ground.

"Help me or not. I'm getting my grandchildren." Lady Tash turned to the west.

Koleatara groaned and planted a hand on her mother's shoulder. Korel thought she was going to pull the grand elder back, but instead, the two women stood still, facing the wall. He could barely see their faces from the angle, but they both looked pained within moments. Blood dripped from Lady Tash's nose. "Raisa-da!"

"Hold on," Levan coaxed even as he grunted again, pushing against the floor stones for better purchase. The door budged inward again.

The grand elder seemed to slowly droop, like a withering flower. Sahnie hovered, uncertainty on her face, then hurried forward and slid under Lady Tash's arm, straightening the older woman.

Lady Tash's eyes flew open with what looked like a spark of lightning. Her hand flung toward the wall, and the rocks shot outward. Shouts of alarm from the other side of the wall were quickly silenced.

"Hurry!" Koleatara shouted.

"We can't," Levan grunted, straining against the door.

Lady Tash spoke, her voice stronger than ever before. "On the count of three, you move. Run straight for the next room."

"Raisa-da," Korel started, but she was already beginning the count.

"One... two... three!"

He bolted along with the others, but spun to a stop in front of the ladies, unwilling to leave them undefended. The other men had the same idea, landing at either side of him with weapons ready to face the oncoming horde of Hranites.

Delahn yelped as he barely ducked a rock flying past his head. Rocks that had formed the wall shot to the door, crushing Hranites and filling the doorway until it formed a solid wall where there had once been a door. More rocks flew from the rest of the broken wall to block the door in the next room, as well.

Korel turned, mouth agape.

Lady Tash slumped against Sahnie. "All this time," the elder Kadrian rasped, "and you never told me you were a magic user."

"I'm not," Sahnie protested, handing over a grev leaf. "I just thought I could help you stand. I thought it would help..."

Lady Tash coughed out a laugh and hugged the younger woman. "You helped indeed, child."

Koleatara and Levan were already hurrying into the next room, and the others followed close behind. Guards slumped around the room, unconscious or dead from the magic attack. Levan snatched a set of keys from the wall peg and turned to the cells.

Three children, three separate cells. They were all unconscious, like their mother had been.

Levan spat. "Cowards."

"I have more grev leaf," Sahnie said as the larger Nim man dug through keys and unlocked the cells.

Delahn eyed the walled-off door in the room behind them, then the rocks blocking the door beside them. "How are we getting out?"

"Not through magic," Koleatara said, helping Lady Tash sit. The grand elder wheezed, leaning heavily on her daughter.

Korel hesitated, glancing at the children Sahnie tended to. "They have magic?"

"Leata and Veran do. Healing, like their mam." Levan hugged a groggy girl as Sahnie moved to the next child. "Derani here is a strapper, like her nain," he continued, slipping to the Nim word for a parent. "Big and strong."

Delahn and Korel examined the newly joined rooms, hunting for any idea of how to get free. The thudding of fists had been replaced by clanking sounds. The Hranites were trying to break through the wall. How long would they take?

The last of the children woke. The royal family pressed together, the three children clinging to their parents and grandmother. Koleatara still fussed over Lady Tash, though the grand elder looked at least some better now, having used some of the grev leaf.

The clanking sounds grew. Levan looked around. "Do you have an escape plan?"

Korel felt his face warm. "We've been... winging it."

The Nim glanced back at Lady Tash and Koleatara with an affectionate half-smile. "Sounds right." Turning serious, he looked around. "Gather as many weapons as you can find. We'll need them."

"You think we can fight our way out?" Delahn asked, hopeful.

"I think we don't have any other choice." Levan picked up two swords from fallen guards and weighed them in his hands. "We'll bottleneck them when they break through the wall. Fight them until no more come."

"They'll break through in more than one place," Lady Tash wheezed.

"Then we'll have more than one bottleneck." Levan nodded toward the other men. Korel and Delahn moved outward, studying the wall for signs of weakness—signs the Hranites were about to break through.

Korel gripped his two stolen blades and tried to steady his breathing. There was no way they'd make it through this. No way they could fight their way through the entire Tower. He glanced over at the others and saw the same grim knowledge on their eyes, too. The children clung close to their mam and grandmam, fear in their eyes.

The Tower shook, and deafening thunder filled their ears. The clanging sounds were replaced with screams. Shouts rose and then faded as if falling away. Korel lowered his weight to steady himself against the shaking and stared at the wall, trying to figure out what was happening. He hadn't seen any windows in the Tower where someone could fall out. "What...?"

"Move away from the wall," someone shouted.

He glanced at the other men and kept his weapons ready as he shuffled a few paces back.

The wall burst inward, sending the three of them tumbling. Enormous gray claws gripped the rock and tore it away. Luda jumped over the remaining structure. "Move, fast!" Heat seared into the room as the dragon clinging to the outside of the Tower belched a mass of flame upward.

Koleatara stood, staring at the dragon. Her eyes focused on Luda. "You—"

"I respectfully ask that you save my well-deserved punishment for after we've escaped," Luda interrupted, speaking rapidly. "Please, milady. Pardon me." She grabbed Koleatara without warning and placed her on the dragon's massive wrist. "Climb!"

Korel stared. "How are you—"

"You and Delahn take that hallway," she barked out, pointing west. She seemed even more frenzied than when she'd been in her fight. "Keep them from reaching us. Levan, get the children on the dragon. Sahnie, help Lady Tash." She jumped back over the partial wall and faced the east end of the hallway, braced to fight, claws ready. "Hurry!"

Korel wanted to ask more—how was she alive, how had she fought off so many Hranites, where in depps had she gotten a dragon—but the echo of feet down the hallway drew his attention to his task. Keep the Hranites away long enough for the royal family to escape. If the escape was on the back of a dragon, he wasn't going to question their fortune.

Lady Tash woozily stood with Sahnie's help and asked the question for him. "Luda, how are you standing?"

"Be as quick as you can, milady." Luda eased her weight from one foot to the other, claws clicking impatiently.

But Lady Tash stayed put. "How are you standing? Was it the dragon?"

"Hurry!"

"Levan," Lady Tash called, "get Luda on the dragon, now."

"I'm not moving," Luda snapped, shifting her weight again. It was almost like a stumble.

"Hurry!" Lady Tash ordered.

Levan finished seeing the children onto the dragon and jogged toward Luda. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Luda barked.

"She's about to burn out," Lady Tash said as Sahnie helped her over the broken wall. "Dragon energy only helps for a short time."

Levan caught Luda's arm. She pulled back and nearly staggered into the wall.

"Yup," he said and grabbed her wrist. She tried to twist free and stumbled into him. He flipped her onto his shoulder and headed for the dragon. She made a weak attempt at escaping him once more, but her arms fell feebly against him. Her head slumped.

Shouts pulled Korel's attention back to the hallway. Hranites rounded the corner, weapons at the ready. He took a fighting stance, swords raised. Delahn had found a heavier weapon better suiting him, and he clutched it tight.

Korel only glanced long enough to see Sahnie helping Lady Tash climb the dragon's arm, then turned back to face the coming Hranites. The guards roared as they lunged forward. He echoed the roar and spun into them, slashing and blocking. Delahn swung mightily over his head.

"The dragon!" one of the Hranites shouted. Another tried to slip past Delahn. Korel caught the man before he made it far, but was sliced across the leg as a reward for his divided attention. He hissed and swung, sending the sword tumbling away, followed soon by its owner.

"Get on the dragon!" Levan's voice came from outside the hole in the Tower's wall. "Hurry!"

The others must have made it to safety. Korel took a half-step backwards, and the Hranites surged forward, seeking any weakness they could exploit. He took another gash across the forearm.

Delahn huffed as he swung, forcing the Hranites back a step. He glanced at Korel, and they both knew the truth: they wouldn't be able to climb the dragon's arm without the Hranites climbing right behind them.

"Go!" Korel shouted. "Go, now!" As long as Lady Tash and her family were secure, it mattered little what happened to him. Someone else would lead the revolution. He'd played his part.

The dragon's hand lifted, then came back down right on top of Korel and Delahn. Korel yelped and dropped flat, cringing, but the hand didn't crush them. A mass of flame shot into the hallway. The searing heat tore the breath from his lungs, but the flames didn't reach them beneath the dragon's protective hand.

As soon as the flames ended, the dragon's fingers closed around them, and then the ground was gone. The beast reached up and placed them on its shoulder as it belched another column of fire upward.

The others waved them over to where they'd nestled between ridge plates on the dragon's back. Korel and Delahn carefully climbed the rough scales to join them. They'd barely managed to sit and hold on when the dragon climbed up the Tower, hands and feet tearing freely into the stone, and poured out fire over the top of the Tower as it took to the air.

Wind blasted Korel, forcing him to close his eyes. When he managed to find an angle he could bear to open his eyes again, he looked to the others. Delahn clung to the opposite ridge with an idiotic grin on his face. Lady Tash sat sheltered by Levan, Sahnie tucked close to the grand elder's side. Derani nestled tightly between Levan and Lady Tash.

Luda lay unmoving between the ridge plates, face ashen. Princess Koleatara with her children Veran and Leata sat around the Tulvan, holding hands. Praying? No, they all were healers, he remembered. They had been left without much strength after whatever the Hranites had used to drug them, but the grev leaf mixture had helped restore some. And it seemed they were using it to heal Luda.

He inched closer. "Will she be all right?"

"Likely," Koleatara said quietly, her focus still on the healing.

"You... you're healing her... you know what she, um, she did..." He couldn't find a way to put it in words and now regretted trying.

Veran cracked one eye open. His young voice squeaked. "We know she made it so the Hranites could capture us. But she was sorry and helped rescue us. And Grandmam says you should do good things for people even if they don't do good things for you."

Leata agreed with a solemn nod, her eyes staying closed, as her brother closed his eyes and focused again.

Korel found himself meeting Lady Tash's gaze. "They're good kids," he said. "A lot better than I would be in their shoes."

"You wouldn't fit in my shoes," Veran said, this time without opening an eye.

The tension broke as Korel let out a much-needed laugh, as did the other adults, save Koleatara.

"Shh," Leata scolded. "We're focusing."

They obediently quieted. Lady Tash had that amused look on her face. Apparently her family had already used some of their magic on her; she looked far better than she had been.

"Does anyone know where this dragon is going?" Levan asked after a while.

"It looks like it's going toward the Wall," Lady Tash said, peering over the side. She lightly scritched the base of the rigid plate as she sat back down.

"You're taking it rather in stride that a dragon appeared out of nowhere to help us," the Nim said, eying his mother-in-law.

She smiled. "I asked Maker to help us escape. I'm not going to criticize the method."

Luda stirred, then sat up. Her skin was still too pale, and she moved slowly, but she was alive. Even after everything, Korel found himself relieved to see her upright again.

Crouching on the dragon's back, she turned to face the others. She looked to Koleatara and lowered her head in full subservience.

Koleatara was silent for a moment, then placed a hand on Luda's head. "I pardon you, Tulvan. Return to your duties."

Luda thumped a fist against her chest. "Milady." She slipped past the rest of them and perched herself at the base of the dragon's neck. "Quit whining," she muttered. "I told you my plan would work, didn't I?"

She seemed to realize something and glanced back at the others, then returned her focus on the dragon. He snuffled and lazily turned slightly northward.

"Where are we going?" Levan asked.

She glanced back again, and Korel could have sworn she locked eyes with him for a moment before looking at the others. "To ignite the resistance."

Chapter 12

It didn't take long. The dragon flew them across Kenara, taking them mere hours to make a trip that would have otherwise taken weeks. It dipped low over cities, letting the citizens see the now-free royal family. Without the threat hanging over their heads, the citizens took up arms against the Hranites in an instant. Kenarans easily outnumbered the Hranites, and the fight was over before the Hranites could gather any effective defense.

Korel felt his spirits cheer with each liberated city in their wake. He was downright giddy by the time they landed just outside Innsbrooke. People from outlying areas had already surged on the capitol city, and the remaining Hranites had sequestered themselves inside the palace. The threat of a dragon bringing the building down on them secured their surrender.

The celebrations stretched beyond a week as the last of the Hranites were chased across the Wall. Builders and magic users worked together to seal the breach, and with that, it was over.

"It's over," Korel told himself for the umpteenth time. It was still hard to believe. He'd only thought he would spark a revolution, an uprising against the Hranites. He never thought he'd end up part of the group to rescue the Princess and her family. He never thought he'd be riding a dragon to spread the message of victory. And he never thought he'd end up an honored guest of the palace.

He touched his velvety clothes, freshly tailored to replace the travel-worn rags he'd come in. Still, he kept to himself as the others indulged in the celebrations. Lady Tash had quietly offered to have a tailor fashion him a mask to match his new clothes. He'd agreed and wore it now, but it still felt strange to consider joining the celebrations, being out in the open in the midst of society instead of hiding at the fringes, as he'd always done.

Delahn shoved through his door. "The feast's starting."

"I know." Korel made no move to join his friend.

Delahn hmphed. "The princess is going to start getting offended if you keep blowing her off like this."

"I don't do it to offend her, and I'm sure she knows it." Korel fingered the edge of his mask.

"Come on. No one can see anything through that mask. You've earned a celebration, brother."

Korel shook his head. "Thank you, Delahn. Go and enjoy."

Delahn rolled his eyes. "You and the Tulvan, hiding away from everyone. You make a great match." Still, he left without further protest.

Korel let out a breath slowly. It didn't surprise him to hear Luda was avoiding the celebrations as well. What did surprise him was the urge to seek her out. Misery loves company, he supposed. He went to her room and cautiously knocked on the door.

"Enter."

He poked the door open just enough to peek in. "It's me—"

"I know." She had a large bag on her bed and was gathering items into it.

"You're packing?"

"Evidently."

Back to non-conversational, then. "Where are you going?"

"Elsewhere."

"You're not staying to be a guard?" Her hands paused. Encouraged, he continued. "You were pardoned, after all."

"Not where it matters."

"What's that mean?"

She didn't answer.

He moved closer. "Luda. What's that mean?"

She finally met his eyes, no glancing around. "You know why Maker created the Tulvans so strong and fast? Why Maker gave us claws and fangs to tear into enemies?"

He shook his head.

"We were made to be guardians of the people. It is our most sacred duty." She looked down and shook her head. "I didn't just betray my people. I betrayed myself, to the very core of who I am, who I'm made to be." A shudder rippled through her. "It left something... broken inside."

"Broken?"

She straightened and resumed packing. "I'm going to the eastern mountains, to the Temple of Peace. I will serve the peristas and seek atonement for what I've done."

"You almost died how many times saving the royal family? I would think that's atonement enough."

"Something is wrong inside. Something broken. I will serve until it is mended, if it is to be." She stopped again, looking up at him once more. "The princess wishes to honor you. Go to the feast."

"I don't—"

She closed her bag and hefted it on her shoulder. "Join the others, Elf. You deserve more than to hide in the shadows for the rest of your life. Be well." She paused and met his eyes again. "And stop being afraid of who you are. If you're going to fear something, fear what you can do."

He watched in silence as she passed him. She kept calling him Elf, even after knowing what he was. He looked back at the closing door and crossed to it. "Luda—"

The hallway was empty. She was gone.

Korel sighed and fingered the edge of his mask. Then he turned and walked down the hallway to the feast.

THE END

**Pronunciation Guide and Glossary**

**Delahn** (day-LAHN)

**Derani** (d'-RAH-nee)

**High Commander Ellsichk** (EL-sihk*) [*the _k_ is a soft _k_ ]

**Hiven** (HIGH-v'n)

**Korel** (koh-REHL)

**Korvedan** (KOHR-v'-dahn)

**Leata** (lee-AH-tuh)

**Levan** (l'-VAHN)

**Luda** (LOO-duh)

**Prime Chancellor Gullat** (goo-LAHT)

**Princess Koleatara** (KOH-lee-uh-TAHR-uh)

**Princess Tashan** (TAW-sh'n)

**Sahnie** (SAH-nee)

**Veran** (v'-RAHN)

**Yenda** (YEHN-duh)

**Braybun** (BRAY-buhn): A medium-sized nocturnal rodent with long front legs.

**-da** (DAH): The Elf honorific suffix indicating elderhood, a position of high honor and respect amongst the community.

**-daro** (DAH-roh): The Elf honorific suffix indicating an elder who is in a particularly elevated position of authority in addition to the honor of being an elder.

**Depps** (DEHPS): A term of displeasure.

**Dufo** (doo-FOH): A dangerous wild animal with spheroid bodies, long legs, and lengthy, serpentine necks. They exist in family packs, mostly living alone but always within hearing range of at least two other members of the pack. They attack any perceived threat with a sharp beak, talons at the end of their legs, and a foot spike coming from the back of the foot.

**Ebrun** (EE-bruhn): The western country on Endonsha's landmass, almost entirely inhabited by Hranites.

**Elf** (EHLF): One of the four races of Kenara, a short people group with large, single color eyes, small noses, and ears featuring a pointed tip.

**Emerton** (EH-m'r-t'n): A medium-sized trade city along the Main Road south of Innsbrooke.

**Gibroot** (GIHB-root): A farmed tuber with feathery sprouts and green skin known for its satiating qualities.

**Grev leaves** (grehv): A fat leaf that sprouts low to the ground and grows with the point to the north. It is known for its energizing effects and is often used by herbalists.

**Hranite** (RAHN-ai't): The predominant race inhabiting Ebrun, a tall people group with vertical eyes, round heads with narrow jaws, no hair, and gray-toned skin.

**Innsbrooke** (IHNS-br'k): The capital city of Kenara, also the largest city of the land. It is nearly centered beside the wall separating Kenara from Ebrun and has a large lake on the wall side, with two rivers at the north and south end of the city.

**Kadrian** (KAY-dree-'n): One of the four races of Kenara, a tall people group with high, almost pyramid-shaped pointed ears, flat noses, and wide eyes featuring a vertical slit of a pupil.

**Kebbit** (KEHB-'t): Large rodents considered to have succulent meat, but are near-impossible to hunt due to their skill for creating decoy dens and false trails.

**Kenara** (kehn-AHR-uh): The eastern country on Endonsha's landmass.

**Luvis** (LOO-v's): A small city south of Innsbrooke along the Wall separating Kenara from Ebrun, where the Hranites broke through the Wall to invade and occupy Kenara.

**Mam** (MAAM): The Kadrian term of affection for a mother.

**Munk** (MUHNK): A small bird known for foolish, frivolous behaviors.

**Nevvit** (NEHV-'t): A root vegetable with a distinctive red tint used both for food and for dyes.

**Nain** (NAYN): The Nim word for a parent.

**Nim** (NIHM): One of the four races of Kenara, a people group with particularly lanky limbs, sloping foreheads, and protruding but curveless noses.

**Omaht** (OH-maht): The Nim word for a grandparent.

**Perista** (p'-REE-stuh): A servant and spiritual leader at the Temple of Peace in the eastern mountains of Kenara.

**Raisa** (RAY-suh): The Elf honorific for women.

**Rekin** (REHK-'n): Very large rodents with lithe bodies, short padded feet, and protruding fangs. They are plentiful on Endonsha and valued for both fur and meat.

**-ro** (ROH): The Elf honorific suffix indicating particular respect and honor.

**Trongial** (TROHN-jee'l): A vaguely equine mammal with a long, narrow mouth filled with sharp teeth. They are prized as speedy mounts, but must be kept under careful control due to their feral instincts.

**Tulvan** (TUHL-v'n): One of the four races of Kenara, a people group with small, flat noses, high cheekbones, wide-set feline eyes, and high, pyramid-shaped ears. They have abnormally strong reflexes and agility, as well as retractable claws. They are known for being deeply religious and believe the Maker gave them power so they can serve in defense of others.

**Wastik** (WAH-stihk): A general Kenaran term for insects or pests which are to be exterminated.

About the Author

I enjoy life with my life-mate and little sprout in the Pacific Northwest. I obtained a degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, which I use to create fully dimensional characters with unique personalities and quirks. In fiction, I'm a huge fan of all things speculative: anything where the rules of reality need not apply. My books include traditional fantasy, space fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and more. When not writing, I can usually be found reading, watching movies, or wasting entirely too much time on the internet.

Connect with me at

cybishop.com

Other books in The Endonshan Chronicles:

Dragonbond

Sanaraheim

Power

Magic

**The "Pay What You Want"** **Quarantine Deal**

It's hard to know where to begin. Most of us have never faced anything like this, not on this scale, and it can be an odd mixture of scary, frustrating, uncertain, and boring as we all do our best to stay secluded and help defeat COVID-19.

In light of this (and the increased need for entertainment options it has presented), I am offering a new payment structure for my books during this time. All of my ebooks are now available at no up-front charge. That's right; you can now download any of my ebooks completely free.

After you have read the book, you then get to decide for yourself what that ebook was worth. Was the entertainment you experienced worth a dollar? Three? Five? More? Whatever you decide is what you get to pay.

For your convenience, there are two options for how to make this payment: through my website, cybishop.com, or through paypal.me/cybishop.

So stay home, stay hydrated, wash your hands, and enjoy some time reading!

