“I meant Baellileans working together with a Verdanian.”

Lorna spits again, this time with more force. After wiping her nose on her sleeve, she pulls back her hair with a strip of leather.

“Speaking of the damned, I’d better make sure that worm hasn’t killed Lin.” She doesn’t wait for a response before stomping towards the thicket.

“If she betrays us in any way, I’ll slice her throat,” Torrent says quietly. No twitching smile pulls at his mouth. No mischievous glint dances in his eyes.

I nod.

“Lin’s in position,” Lorna says as she nudges my rib and points. I follow her finger and see the flash from his mirror a few hills over before it’s gone.

“Let's go through this one more time,” I lean into our circle. Idalia doesn’t join us; she stands behind Torrent, her arms folded against her chest, her face complacent.

“Remember, we only have one chance. Don’t let our lack of food and sleep cloud your judgment. There’ll be plenty of both after the deed is done.” They all nod, including Idalia, to my surprise.

“Lorna and I will wait behind those bent trees. Once Lannex’s carriage moves four trees past our spot, Sparrow will run out into the road.”

I turn to her. “Now, this part is critical. We need you to really sell it,” I say.

“You want me to sell the role of a Princess who’s been kidnapped by uncouth hoodlums on her way to Aeradian? Oh, dear. However shall I pull it off?”

Torrent chuckles. I ignore her sarcasm and continue. “Torr, as soon as you see one sentry approach, run and grab her. Don’t give the guards time to retrieve her or Idalia enough time to change her mind. Then, run like the Lady is calling you home at last.”

“If you don't run fast enough, she just might,” Lorna adds dryly.

Torr turns to give Idalia a long look, then nods his head. She doesn’t acknowledge him.

“After Lannex leaves his carriage, Lorna will take out the coachmen, and I’ll start loading the goods. Torrent, make them chase you for a long time. Tire them out. But don’t wander off the trail we’ve set. Lin won’t be able to help you if you go off course. He’ll flash a signal if he sees something is wrong. Watch for that, too. We’ll meet by the horses when it’s all over and have a celebration drink. Or two.”

“More like seven,” Torrent winks.

The sound of men shouting and the rattling of carriage wheels on the bumpy dirt road reaches us, and we scatter like moths. Lorna and I soundlessly slip behind the warped trees and position our backs against their bark. We nod to each other and pull our hoods over our heads. Mine droops almost to my eyes, but it won’t affect my aim; I’m used to the shadowy overhang. I ready an arrow; Lorna’s palm squeezes her hatchet’s handle.