The Radisha led her brother through tortuous passages. The palace was ancient. Additions were cobbled on during every reign. No one knew the labyrinth whole except Smoke.

The Radisha went to one of the wizards secret places, a room sheltered from eavesdroppers by the old mans finest spells. The Prahbrindrah Drah shut the door. Well?

A pigeon brought a message. From Smoke.

Bad news?

Our mercenaries have been defeated at Stormgard. The Shadowmasters called Dejagore Stormgard.

Badly?

Is there any other...?

Yes. Before the appearance of the Shadowmasters Taglios had been a pacifist state. But when that danger first beckoned the Prahbrindrah had exhumed the ancient strategikons. Were they annihilated? Routed? How badly did they hurt the Shadowmasters? Is Taglios in danger?

They shouldnt have crossed the Main.

They had to harry the survivors from Ghoja ford. Theyre the professionals, Sis. We said we wouldnt secondguess or interfere. We didnt believe they could win at Ghoja, so were way ahead. Give me details.

A pigeon isnt a condor. The Radisha made a face. They marched down with a mob of liberated slaves, took Dejagore by stealth, destroyed Stormshadow and wounded Shadowspinner. But today Moonshadow appeared with a fresh army. Casualties were heavy on both sides. Moonshadow may have been killed. But we lost. Some of the troops retreated into the city. The rest scattered. Most of the mercenaries, including the captain and his woman, were killed.

Lady is dead? Thats a pity. She was exquisite.

Youre a lustful ape.

I am, arent I? But she did stop hearts wherever she went.

And never noticed. The only man she saw was her captain. That Croaker character.

Are you miffed because he only had eyes for her?

She gave him a savage look.

Whats Smoke doing?

Fleeing north. Blade, Swan, and Mather will try to rally the survivors at Ghoja.

I dont like that. Smoke shouldve stayed down there. Rallied them there, to support the men in the city. You dont give away ground youve gained.

Smoke is scared the Shadowmasters will find out about him.

They dont know? That would surprise me. The Prahbrindrah shrugged. Whats he saving himself for? Im going down there.

She laughed.

What?

You cant. Those idiot priests would steal everything but your eyes. Stay. Keep them occupied with their idiot wall. Ill go. And Ill kick Smokes butt till he gets off it and does something.

The prince sighed. Youre right. But go quietly. They behave better when they think youre watching.

They didnt miss me last time.

Dont leave me twisting in the wind. Theyre hard to deal with when they know more than I do.

Ill keep them off balance. She patted his arm. Go shock them with your turnaround. Work them into a wall building frenzy. Get benevolent toward whichever cult shows the most productivity. Get them cutting each others throats.