We stole like shadows. I was proud of myself. I moved as silently as those two. They were surprised a woman could do it. We approached Jahs own tent.

It was oversized and guarded well. The man knew he wasnt popular. A fire burned on each of the tents four sides. A guard stood near each fire.

Narayan cursed, said something in cant. Sindhu grunted. Narayan whispered, No way to get any closer. Those guards will be men he trusts. And theyll know who we are.

I nodded, pulled them back, said, Let me think.

They whispered while I thought. They didnt expect anything from me.

There was a small spell which could be used to blind the unaware briefly. Perfect, if I could manage it. I recalled it all right. One of those childrens things that used to be as easy as blinking. I hadnt tried it in ages. Thered be no way to tell if it was working, unless I messed it up so badly the sentry sensed me and gave the alarm.

Nothing to lose but my life.

I went into that spellcasting as though it was the most dangerous demon-summoning Id ever done. I did it three times to make sure it had a chance to take, but when I finished I didnt know if Id succeeded or failed. The guard didnt look changed.

Sindhu and Narayan still had their heads together. I said, Come on, and returned to the edge of the light. No one was in sight but that guard.

Time to test it or chicken.

I walked straight toward the sentry.

Narayan and Sindhu both cursed and tried to call me back. I summoned them with a gesture. The guard couldnt see me.

He didnt see me!

My heart leaped as it had when Id summoned the horses. I beckoned Narayan and Sindhu, indicating they should stay out of the guards direct line of vision. He might remember someone he saw head on. And he would be questioned later.

They slunk past like dogs, unable to believe he couldnt see them. They desperately wanted to know what Id done, how Id done it, if they could learn to do it, too, but they dared not say a word.

I parted the tent flap an inch, saw no one on the other side. The interior was compartmented by hangings. I slipped into what must have been the audience area. It constituted the majority of the interior. It was well appointed, further evidence that Jah had put his own comfort before the welfare of his men and the safety of his homeland.

I had learned better as a child. You win more loyalty and respect if you share the hardships.

Eyes still big, Narayan gestured, reminding me of the layout as he had it from his spies. I nodded. This late Jah should be asleep. We moved toward his sleeping area. I moved the hanging with a dagger. Narayan and Sindhu got their rumels out.