“I don’t know.” Maya glanced at the wagon. “I can’t refuse to help. Tanax would just go without me, and we’d lose any chance of getting the rebels to work with us.” She shook her head. “I need to talk to them. If their grudge is really against Raskos, maybe I can convince them I’m on their side.”

“Be careful,” Beq said. “Tanax is eager to start something, and the rebels may be more dangerous than he thinks. Remember how much dhak and arcana we saw out there.”

Maya nodded. “I’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.” Beq took a deep breath. “Varo and I will be with the backup, if you need us.”

“You be careful, too,” Maya said. “Keep one eye on Raskos.”

Beq grinned and clicked something on her spectacles—the lenses shifted, making her eyes point in different directions. “Got it covered!”

Maya let out a startled laugh. Beq grinned at her, her cheeks going red, which made her freckles stand out. She brushed absently at her braid, tucking away a few loose green hairs.

“Can you actually see like that?” Maya said.

“Oh, no. It just gives me a headache.” Beq snapped the lenses back into place. “But I’ll be careful.”

“Maya!” Tanax said. “We’re ready to move.”

Maya held Beq’s gaze a moment longer, then turned away, fighting down a rush of blood to her own cheeks. Not the time, Maya. Not the time. She took deep breaths as she walked across the courtyard to the wagon.

“I know you disagree with some of my decisions.” Tanax gave her a sharp look. “But this is not the time or place for disagreement. Do you understand?”

Maya held her tongue and gave a silent nod.

Tanax climbed up into the rear of the wagon and bent down to offer her his hand. She ignored it, pulling herself up, and sat on one of the iron chests. Tanax sat down opposite her, arms folded across his chest.

“Good fortune!” Raskos called from outside.

The servants closed the back door, leaving them in warm semidarkness. Maya heard the driver whistle, and the loadbirds started forward, the wagon rocking as it rolled out onto the gravel.

As the minutes ticked past and the wagon trundled along, Maya’s nerves were jangling. She found her foot tapping and stilled it with an effort. Tanax gave her a withering look.

“These … thieves,” Maya said. “It’s possible I might have a contact among them.”

“You didn’t think that was worth mentioning earlier?” Tanax said.

“I’m not certain,” Maya said. “And I’ve already told you I don’t trust Raskos.”

Tanax snorted. “I’m glad I am worthy of your trust.”

“Just listen, all right?” Maya took a deep breath. “It’s possible I may be able to talk them into coming peacefully. Can we agree that would be a better outcome than a fight?”