It’s dire indeed when the Dead Wood is our best option. This far south, the Dead Wood is at its narrowest. If we’re quick, we can cross in fewer than two hours. Once we’re in Kazahyn, we’ll make our way north to Sab Hnou. Ronin’s eastern encampment, the sister camp to Sab Hlee, sits between the borders of Kazahyn and the Nuvalyn Empire.

The Dead Wood looms ahead, a silent menace. Phaut begins to falter, her pace slowing. There’s no going back now, so I pull ahead and plunge first into the darkness.

We don’t go far. Once we’re concealed, we crouch low to the earth and watch the soldiers who linger just beyond the reach of the trees. There are almost a dozen, arguing loudly. Most seem opposed to following us, insisting the Dead Wood will finish us off. Prince Meilek arrives a moment later. His dragule cuts a large swath through the grass.

The soldiers spread out to watch the perimeter, but Prince Meilek remains nearby, glowering into the gloom. Despite our fight in the alley, the sight of him makes guilt rattle around my ribs. I know, reasonably, that he doesn’t have the power to free the shamanborn, even as the queen’s brother. But that doesn’t mean he’s powerless, and he knows that.

I frown, struck by a sudden realization.

Kendara isn’t in Vos Gillis. She never was. The person in the queen’s circle helping the shamanborn escape is Prince Meilek. He would have the resources. He’s so loyal to his sister and to his duty that it didn’t even occur to me.

But as soon as his guards were either gone or knocked out, he let us go. Sisters, I’m such an idiot.

Something rustles to our left. Phaut hisses my name. Her voice quavers.

“Right,” I whisper. “Let’s go.”

We run. This far from the heart of the Dead Wood, the trees stand farther apart, their limbs not quite so tangled. Moonlight brightens our path. I tune my ears to the crackle of dry bark and the hiss of the earth when the roots rise, sloughing dirt.

I tell myself that the hard part is already over. Kudera and the others are freed. But Phaut draws a thin, high breath, reminding me I still have someone else to keep safe before this night is through.

“Once we’re in Kazahyn, how far to Sab Hnou?” I ask.

“Hard to say. Three or four days? I’ve never been this far south before.” She sounds distracted, her focus on the trees.

I recall what she said about her familiar yesterday. Guilt pricks at my conscience because it’s true that I haven’t asked much about her. Of course, that was because Phaut wanted nothing to do with me, but I’d like to think it’s different between us now.