“To give him a choice,” Arc replied. “If the Northerners are coming, we need as many people as we can get.”

“We need to go,” Rashelope said.

“Wait,” Sorrel said. “Half of us can climb up the drain I came down in – I’m sure Emrallie can do it and then set ropes from above for everyone else. She can find the Lowlanders and let them out – there’s a bolt on the outside of their cabin door. They’ll tell where Ganan is. The rest of us will approach from this side and find Drax.”

“Won’t the other guards hear us?”

“Remember the map I drew? Cibao is on a hill and the wall is below. The land falls away steeply on the northern side and there aren’t many guards over there. I don’t think they would be able to hear. Plus the dust helps us.”

“We’d have to use knives and machetes,” Rapt said. “Not guns. They could have communication equipment – radios or old-time walkie-talkies.”

“Everything has a risk,” Rashelope said.

“Anything else you want to tell us, Sorrel?” Caroni said.

“Just that we have to go soon.”

“Wait here, people,” Caroni said. “Arc, let’s talk.”

Arc and Caroni moved out of earshot and spoke in low voices. Sorrel met Rapt’s eyes in the gloom and wanted to thank him, but said nothing. They waited.

“D’you know how long it took you?” Arc said, returning. “To get from there to here?”

Sorrel shook her head. “Just follow the wall and keep looking up for the drain.”

“I think it’s a crazy plan,” Rashelope said.

“Me too,” Emrallie said. “I’d rather die than be captured.”

“It’s better if we’re separated,” Arc said. “One group of us could survive, even if the other…”

“Alright,” Caroni cut in. “We’re going to split up. Arc, you and your group find Drax. Take the best fighters. I’ll find the Lowlander women. Sorrel, Emrallie, you come with me.”

“I want to go with Arc,” Rashelope said.

“Me too,” Emrallie said.

“We need you to climb, Emrallie,” Caroni said. “Don’t argue. This is how it’s going to be.”

“My mother is there,” Sorrel said. “I want to join Arc and his group.”

“No,” Caroni said. “You know where to find the – aah – slaves. You know where the drain is. You and Emrallie are coming with me. No more discussion. Where’s a good place to gather after, Sorrel?”

“The parade ground. Can’t miss it.”

“Let’s make this fast,” Caroni said.

“I want the best fighters with me.” Arc pointed at members of his band and they walked over to stand beside him. “Rashelope, that includes you.”

“I-I’ll come with you,” Lichen said, and stepped forward.

“No, Lichen,” Caroni said.

“I can fit into tiny places. Many of you can’t.”

Arc shrugged and looked at Caroni. She gestured in agreement.