Word ran ahead. As they approached the inner fortress a man came out. The Prahbrindrah Drah himself! He was here directing construction? That was not like him. He stayed holed up where the priests could not get to him. The prince said, I didnt expect you back right away.

Weve won a small victory north of Dejagore. The Shadowmasters lost four thousand men. Blade planned the operation and carried it out. I decided to leave him in charge. I came back to recruit and train new formations. Youve done well here. I take it the priests abandoned their obstructionism?

You convinced them. The prince looked troubled. But you dont have any friends now. Dont leave your back unguarded. His gaze kept drifting to Croaker. He seemed puzzled, Your man Ram seems odd today.

Touch of dysentery. How is the recruiting going?

Slow. Most of the volunteers are helping here. Most men are holding off, waiting to have their minds made up for them.

Let them know about the victory. Let them know the siege can be broken. Shadowspinner has no strength left. Hes getting no help from Longshadow. Hes on his own with an army so battered only its fear of him holds it together.

Croaker glanced up at a few clouds sliding east from the sea. Nothing remarkable about them but they did cause thoughts to click. The subtle bitch! He knew exactly what she was doing.

Lady was down there sparring with Shadowspinner, beyond the Main, which became impassable during the rainy season. A touch here, a nudge there, and that contest would go on till it was too late for Lady to get back over the river. The season was not that far away, now. Two months at the most. Lady would be trapped over there with the Shadowmasters. Catcher would have five months to take control here, without interference. Probably without anyone discovering who she was. Her crows would watch the routes north. Messengers would be intercepted.

The bitch! The black-hearted bitch!

The prince frowned at him, sensing his turmoil. But he was preoccupied with the woman. Maybe we can do the garden again sometime.

That would be lovely. But remember, its my turn to put on the spread.

The prince smiled weakly. If theyll let you. After last time.

I didnt start it.

What was that about? Something involving Lady had happened in the gardens? Soulcatcher did not tell him everything. Only what would leave his heart raw.

He sensed someone watching, spied Smoke lurking in shadows. The wizards face was a mask of hatred. That faded when he realized he had been spotted. He started shivering, slipped away.

Crows followed, Croaker noted. Of course. Wherever Smoke went he would be watched. Soulcatcher knew all about him.

Catcher asked, Have my quarters been completed? Its been a long, dusty road. Itll take me two hours to get human.