Whatever this sensation is, something about Braizen causes it to flare. Along with other more tantalizing sensations, it stands as one more reason to hate him.

That, and I’m now tied to a tree, as he directed an hour ago. He’s yet to send one of his lackeys to release me. I’m convinced the Baellilean Prince leads a cult of fanatics. An imbecilic cult with a thirst for the insane. He likes to tempt fate and ignore rules, and I’m nothing but another lock he craves to pick open. A door whose knob he cannot turn.

The four huddle far enough away that the wind muffles their voices and makes their words unintelligible. I watch Braizen draw lines in the dirt with a stick. Is it a map? A route? Every so often, one of them turns their head to check that I’m still here. Yes, I’m still captive, still helpless, still tied to a damn tree. I hate Baellileans.

“Now, how in the four hells will that work?” Lin finally blurts loud enough for me to hear.

Lorna’s eyes skirt over to me, but I pretend to struggle with the rope, too occupied to give a damn about what they’re doing. She squints hard at me, then looks back to Lin, clutching his hair.

“He’ll never go for such a stupid plan! Torrent can’t play that character,” Lin says.

“And why not?” I hear the burly man’s haughty question just as clearly.

Lin throws up his hands. “Because it requires Lannex to be dumb enough to believe it! No noble will think this obtuse whale is someone of worth.”

“Braze, maybe you should be the one he stops for,” Lorna suggests.

“He knows Braizen,” Lin shoots back. “They’ve met before.”

“Well, either you or Torrent play the part, and I don’t think Lannex will find you intimidating enough without your weapon,” Lorna states.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lin demands.

“It means that he might mistake you for a child, Speck. Why don’t you leave the big roles to the big boys?” Torrent sneers.

Lannex. Tawdrey Lannex. One of Aeradian’s highest noblemen. They’re planning to meet him somewhere. I’m elated that they’ve all forgotten to whisper. As subtle as possible, I lean my head closer. What on earth do they want with Lannex, and why would they seek to intimidate him?

“All the roles are of the utmost importance,” Braizen intervenes. “We need everyone to play their part perfectly if we want this to work. If Lin’s right, then tomorrow, Lannex should be right around here,” he says and points to a spot in the dirt.

“That’s where Torrent and Lorna will flag him down. Lin, I need you to stay at a high vantage point. Somewhere you can unleash your wrath from, should we require it,” he continues.

“Gods, I wish I had my rock sacks,” Lin mumbles, almost too low for me to make out his words.

“Then, Lorna will create a distraction of some kind. That’s when I’ll grab whatever I can from the transport. We need a big one this time, Lorna. Something to draw him away from whatever he’s hiding. I can’t be seen.” The Prince instructs.