The cart creaked to a stop a few yards away, close enough for Anji to make out the haggard faces of the two constables atop the horses. The third sat in the shadows of the covered wagon, armor glistening where it stuck out into the hazy day. Whoever it was, they sported a golden cape likely worth more Rhoda than Anji had ever seen.

“Ho there,” said the man on the horse to Anji’s right, a lean, middle-aged brute with salt-and-pepper streaks at his temples. A band of woven white rope circled his upper arm. He peered down his hooked nose at the Hawk, and as his gaze slid over Anji she took a meek step back.

The Hawk inclined her head, then clicked her tongue at her own horse, who ambled to her side. She grabbed at the reigns.

“Corporal,” she said.

The man leaned in close to the woman at his side and muttered something in her ear, still looking at Anji.

“We’ve no wish to delay you on what business you’re about,” said the Hawk, ushering Anji along. “Safe travels to you all.”

“Wait,” came a voice from the shrouded figure in the wagon, another man. Anji thought she heard the Hawk sigh as the man stood, the cart creaking as he stepped into the sunlight. Whatever hair had once occupied his scalp looked to have fled for the bushy pair of eyebrows protruding over ice-blue eyes. His jowls quivered as he surveyed the Hawk.

“Captain,” she said. “Really, I would not—”

“This is the girl,” said the captain. “The one who killed King Rolandrian.” The constables on horseback swiveled to stare at Anji, their faces hard.

So much for my disguise, Anji thought.

“You’ve come far enough, hunter,” the captain went on. “Tell your Wardens you’ve given her over to us and you’ll be paid your due when you return to Linura.”

“Are you sure, sir?” said the Corporal, smirking. “The girl on the poster was a lot prettier than her. She looks like a stableboy. Worth a pig or two, but not a million Rhoda.”

The Hawk gripped the reins so hard Anji could hear them squeak in her gloves. Anji pushed down the urge to gape at her. A million Rhoda? she thought. No wonder she wants me all to herself.

“She cut her hair,” said the woman opposite. “With a rake, by the look of it.”

Anji ground her teeth, but kept silent at the pressure of the Hawk’s fingers digging into her shoulder.

Why hasn’t she turned me over yet?

“I mean no disrespect, Captain,” said the Hawk, inclining her head once more, “but I have tenets I keep to. I’m sure you understand. Once in my possession, I cannot give up my charge. I’ll see the girl is taken safely and without spoil to Linura, on my honor.”