Werneus stiffened. “There’s talk, but it’s only wishful thinking, Commander. All the riders love you. We’d follow you to Bilairy’s gate.”

“And would you follow General Moraus?”

“Yes, Commander!”

Klia regarded him in silence for a moment. Her gut told her this was an honest man. “You know that mutiny and inciting mutiny are hanging offenses, don’t you?”

To the man’s credit, he met her eye squarely. “ ’Course I do, Commander. I swear by the Flame, it’s just talk!”

“And who’s doing the talking? Out with it, man!”

“Some of the other riders, Commander.”

“Names, Sergeant!” Myrhini barked.

“Rethus, Morson, Sorian …”

“And?” snapped Myrhini.

“And Callin, but he’s just a boy. He don’t mean any harm, just takes in the older riders’ talk.”

“That doesn’t excuse him, Sergeant. But none of your officers?”

“No, Commander, by the Flame I’ve heard nothing of the sort from any one of them. They’re as loyal as summer’s turning is long.”

“We’ll see about that. I want you to go back to your friends and tell them what we’ve said here. I will hang anyone talking mutiny against the queen or our general. Is that clear?”

“As springwater, Commander.” Werneus saluted, fist to heart.

Klia nodded and Myrhini dismissed the shaken soldier.

“What do you think?” asked Myrhini.

“Summon the others he named.”

One by one the riders appeared, and each told the same story as Werneus, young Callin in tears. It was only the mutterings of loyal soldiers who idolized their commander. She’d deal with that in the morning. Which left Danos to worry about.

Chapter 18 - Brader

STARVING on the road had been hard on the whole company, but their stunning degree of success here in Rhíminee carried its own burdens. Atre had hired scrim painters and a few servants, but he’d also set up a grueling performance schedule. Brader saw his family more onstage than he did in their quarters. Atre was in great demand among the nobles, too, and often disappeared after the night’s performance to entertain at private parties.