"I've been looking into Korascajan ever since I found out about those failed students. It lies far to the south, in an area of hot sun and dry lands. I think it would take a month or more to get here from there, maybe even two. We may still have time yet. If they do arrive, how long do you think you can keep them guessing?"

"Perhaps a week or two, nothing more. The grand mistress is intent on having me give birth sometime in the next year."

"Then we'll need to move swiftly," Stanislav said.

"I have a plan," she said, "but it will require you to do the bulk of the work. They're watching me whenever I leave the Volstrum."

"Tell me what you have in mind," he said.

Natalia handed the pouch over to him. "I received this from the matriarch, herself," she said. "It's full of gems."

"Why would she give you this?" he asked.

"I don't know, but I suspect she secretly wanted me to run away. Can you sell them for me? I need coins. You can take half of whatever you can get for them in payment."

"I'll do what I can, but it will likely take a few days to get a good price. What happens after that?"

"I'm not sure," she confessed. "I hadn't thought that far ahead."

"I have an idea," Stanislav said, "but it's best I don't burden you with details."

"Good," Natalia said, "make what arrangements you need but don't tell me about them. That way, I can honestly say I know nothing of an escape attempt if I should be confronted."

"You think that likely?"

"No, but I was warned there are those out to destroy me."

"How shall I contact you once everything is in place?" Stanislav asked.

"Do you think you would be done by next week?" she asked.

"I should think so, yes, why?"

"I'll come and visit you. There'll be guards, but we'll choose our words carefully."

"A good idea," he agreed, "and I shall refer to the date of your escape as my birthday. We'll act as though I'm throwing a party. That should confuse them."

"My guards will be from the Volstrum," Natalia reminded him, "might they not know your true birthday?"

"I doubt it," he answered, "even I don't know my birthday."

"I suppose it's safe, then. I'll see you in a week."

"Hold on, how many guards are you likely to have."

"Two," Natalia answered, "I understand it's the common practice. Is there anything else you need to know?"

"No, I have everything I need. Wait a moment," the mage hunter said, fishing out a paper from his jacket, "here's my address. I'll head out now, but you should wait a while before leaving this room, in case anyone takes notice."

"Very well, I will," she promised. "Good luck, Stanislav, I don't know how I'll ever repay you."