We had not encountered it but rumors of old, out of the Shadowlands in the days of conquest, said those shadows could be assassins as well as spies. Captains and kings had died too opportunely, with no other explanation. Maybe the deaths of two Shadowmasters had taken that weapon away. Maybe a killing took a combined effort. I hoped so but did not count on it.

I set the trap working and hurried back to where I had parted with Ram. The others were there waiting. Ram scolded me. I suffered it. Id grown fond of him in a sisterly way. It had been a long time since anyone had been concerned about me. It felt good.

When Ram finished, Abda interjected, Weve found two routes down. Neither one is ideal. The better one might be used by the horsemen. We cleared the pickets. I sent a few men down in case theres a changing of the guard.

That could be a problem.

Blade materialized, dogged by Narayan and Sindhu. You made good time, I told him.

He grunted, studied the city. I explained what I wanted to do. I dont expect to accomplish much. The point is to harass Shadowspinner, demoralize his men, and let ours inside know theres an army out here.

Blade glanced at the westering sun, grunted again.

Swan and Mather joined us. I said, Get some men moving. Abda, explain the routes. Mr. Mather, take charge of the infantry. Sindhu, you take the horsemen. Swan, Blade, Narayan, Ram, come with me. I want to talk.

Mather and Sindhu got things moving. We got out of their way. I asked Swan, Swan, your men brought home the news about the row down here. Run through what you know.

He did. I entered questions, did not get half the information I wanted. Not that I expected to.

Swan said, Some third party is playing his own game.

Yes. There were crows nearby. I could not mention names. The attackers definitely masqueraded as Lifetaker and Widowmaker?

Absolutely.

Then those men down there should panic if they see them again. Get the armor, Ram.

Narayan prowled restlessly while we talked, putting in nothing, keeping one eye on the city. He said, Theyre starting to move around.

Weve been discovered?

I dont think so. They dont act like they expect trouble.

I went and looked. After watching awhile I hazarded a guess. The news is out. Theyre shook. Their officers are trying to keep them busy.

You really going to take a whack? Swan asked.

A little one. Just big enough to let Mogaba know he has friends on the outside.

The day was getting on. I passed orders for the men to eat cold and keep moving. Ram showed up with our armor and animals. Two hours of light. We ought to do something while they can see us.

Narayan said, Theres a group of four, five hundred headed out south, Mistress.