It’s an almost flawless position. It nestles against a second, higher ridge that looks like it can only be accessed from some other section of the course. The only safe path up to them is narrow and straight, which means they’ll get a good look at anyone who’s trying to join their party. It’s such a defensible location that I actually consider leaving them be, but I know I owe them for the night before. It’s time to eliminate some of my opponents.

Once I’ve got my own ashes settled and safe, I start the climb. In daylight it’d be hard enough, but in moonlight it’s about impossible. Twice I lose my footing and almost go flailing back into the valley below. Once I reach the point of no return, a new focus grips me. I wedge myself up one ridge, then a second, slowly working my way back over to where they’re camped.

There’s a pair of uncomfortably large gaps to leap, but I make the jumps and go quiet as I reach the section of stone that I know borders their camp. Moonlight hangs above everything. I flatten myself to the stones and start crawling. Wind snags at my hair and cloak, but at least it hides the sound of my progress as I work slowly over to the ledge. A glance over the lip shows the two of them are there, eyes on the valley below, hands ready on their switches.

“Bravos made an appearance.”

One nods. “Revel’s up there, too, the traitor.”

“But no sign of Pippa?”

The other makes a noise.

“She has to be up to something. She’s too smart to fall back.”

“Well, if she’s out of it for some reason, I like our chances.”

“Bravos will fade, but Etzli? You know she doesn’t make mistakes.”

They go on talking like that for a while. Daddy taught me patience. I didn’t risk my life climbing up here to waste my chance. They’re both competent fighters. Maybe I could take them together, but it’ll be far easier if I can isolate one of them, quick and clean.

The conversation drags. One starts to nod off before the other slaps his shoulder.

“No sleeping, Capri,” he says. “Not tonight.”

“I’m going to take a look at the valley, then.”

I watch as Capri takes his feet, eyes the two piles of ashes, and steps toward the precipice. My moment comes so quickly that I’m almost not fast enough for it. Both forearms flex as I push up, a silent shadow in the midst of other shadows. The one sitting sees the movement, but there’s nothing he can do as I get a firm grip on my switch and leap.