I sat up. And started vomiting. Narayan sighed. His friends moved to mask me from the men. He looked worried. He feared his investment was going to come up short. I was going to die on him.

I was not worried about that. More the opposite, that I would not die and never escape the misery. What was wrong with me? This was getting old, every morning sick-and not that great the rest of the day.

I didnt have time to be sick. I had work to do. I had worlds to conquer. Help me up, Ram. Did I mess myself?

No, Mistress.

Thank the goddess for small favors. What is it, Narayan?

Better you see for yourself. Come, Mistress. Please?

Ram had brought horses. I collected myself, let him help me mount. We headed for the hills. As we left camp I saw Blade and Swan and Mather with their heads together, exercised about something. Narayan did not ride but he could lope along when he wanted.

He was right. Seeing was better than hearing. I might not have believed a verbal report.

The plain had flooded. At the north and south ends water roared out of the hills. The aqueducts had gone mad. I said, Now we know where those work parties headed. They must have diverted both rivers. How deep is it?

At least ten feet already.

I tried guessing how high it could rise. The hills were deceptive. It was hard to tell. The plain was lower than the land beyond the hills but not much. The water should not get more than sixty feet deep. But that would be enough to flood the city.

Mogaba was in a fix. He had no way out-unless he built boats or rafts. Shadowspinner would not have to waste a man to keep him tied up.

Good gods! Where did the Shadowlanders go? I had a bad feeling I had one foot in a bear trap.

Narayan summoned a man on scout duty. He told us the Shadowlanders had pulled out in two forces, north and south, shortly after sunrise.

I consulted maps in my head, told Narayan, We have to run. Fast. Or well be dead before noon. Get up here behind me. You. Soldier. Get up behind Ram and hang on. Are there other men out here?

A few, Mistress.

Theyll have to look out for themselves. Lets go!

We were a sight, Im sure, only one of us a competent rider and she so sick she had to stop twice to throw up. But we got back to camp before the hammer fell.

Blade had them ready to march. Now I knew what hed been up to with Swan and Mather. He had heard about the water and had sensed its significance. He awaited orders.

Send cavalry north and south to scout and harass.

Done already. Two hundred men each direction.