I nodded approval. They almost look like soldiers. Wed have to get them uniform dress.

Narayan nodded. He seemed smug, as though his genius had produced our triumph and sparked a renascent spirit.

Howre the riding lessons coming? Just making talk. I knew. Abysmally. None of these clowns belonged to a caste that got closer to a horse than to trail along behind cleaning up. But, damn, it would be a sin to waste those mounts.

Poorly. Though a few men show promise. Not including myself or Ram. We were born to walk.

Show promise had become his favorite expression. In reference to everything. As he taught me to use the stranglers kerchief, or rumel, at my insistence, he said I showed promise.

I suspected he was surprised at how easily I picked it up. Its manipulation came as naturally as breathing, as though it was a skill Id had all along. Maybe it came of centuries of practice at the quick, subtle gestures needed to manipulate sorceries.

You were saying you were going to move? Narayan asked. Mistress. The honorific was becoming an afterthought. Narayan remained Taglian. He was beginning to take me for granted.

Our foragers are having to range pretty far.

Narayan didnt reply but seemed reluctant to go.

I had a feeling I was being watched. At first I credited it to the crows. They kept me uncomfortable. Now I understood Croakers reaction better. They didnt behave the way crows ought. Id mentioned them to Narayan. Hed grinned and called them a good omen.

Meaning they were a bad omen for someone else. I scanned our surroundings. The crows were there, in their scores, but... Narayan, collect the dozen best horsemen. Im taking a patrol out.

But... Do you think...?

How could I get through? Im no garden rose. Im taking a patrol out.

As you command, Mistress, so shall it be.

It had better, Narayan. It had better.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Swan glanced at Blade. The black mans attitude toward Smoke had grown from disdain into contempt. The wizard had no more spine than a worm. He shook like a leaf.

Cordy said, Thats her.

Swan nodded. He grinned but kept his thoughts to himself. Shes putting something together. That gang is more organized than any Ive seen down here.

They backed off the knoll from which theyd been watching the camp. Blade said, We going to drop in? He had hold of the wizards sleeve like he expected the runt to run.

Not yet. I want to circle around, check it out down south. Shouldnt be that far to where they hit the Shadowmasters men. I want to see the place. If we can find it.

Cordy asked, Think they know were here?

What? The idea startled Swan.

You said theyre organized. Nobody ever accused the Lady of not being efficient. She should have pickets out.