Kerrigan fell into step next to Fordham. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to him as they flew. He must be in turmoil at the thought of what was coming.

“Ford,” she whispered.

He shook his head, and without a word, he tromped forward at a faster clip. He was a full head taller than her, and she had to all but jog to catch up. They didn’t say another word. Trulian threw open the tent flap, and they followed him inside.

Kerrigan stalled, as if going back in time. The war camp in her vision had been larger, stabler, and full of men in black Society robes. But this was much the same. There were fewer people, and women dotted the space. A welcome change to a thousand years ago. Mei had been one of the only women in that tent. But this was still a commander’s war tent.

Helly stood at a table. Who knew where they’d gotten it? Lorian was on her right. Zina floated in an almost trance in the back of the tent. Kerrigan recognized one of the other people in the room—Mistress Corinna, Head of the Guard. The rest of the faces were strangers. No other council members were in attendance.

“What is she doing here?” Lorian demanded. “Arrest her!”

Trulian waved the accusation away. “She’s here at my command.”

Lorian balked. “You are an esteemed warrior of the Great War, Master Trulian,” he said, starstruck, “but I am a council member. She was ejected from our service and has no place here.”

“I am also a council member,” Helly said. “I invited her under Trulian’s advice. Considering Trulian is the only other member here who has been on the council—and head of the council at that—I believe that we outnumber you.”

Lorian glared at Helly. “This is uncalled for.”

“We’re in the middle of a war,” Trulian snarled. “Arguing over one girl is pointless. We have exactly forty-two dragons and riders present and no foot soldiers. We are at least a two days, maybe more, away from any reinforcements, and you’re arguing about one girl? She is trained in the art of warfare. We will use her as I see fit. Do you understand?”

Lorian looked very clearly like he wanted to argue with Trulian. But how could you argue with a legend?

“Understood,” Lorian finally said.

“Good. Then, let’s get on with it. One of the scouts is back. Alura, would you like to give your report?”

Alura stepped forward, her hands held stiffly behind her back. She didn’t glance at her father once. “Yes, General. The city has fallen. The walls are barred. I counted roughly six thousand soldiers.”

Kerrigan’s stomach dropped. Six thousand soldiers? They’d moved them that fast? Holy gods!

“Any weaknesses?” Trulian asked.