She received no reply save for that ominous, unblinking stare. All told, Revekah preferred the old Anastacia to whatever she had become. Whatever Akadra had made her.

“All I know is that you’re a big part of what’s kept Josiri sane these past years. He could use a little of that now. So could you. Find Josiri. Let him decide. I don’t pretend to know what you were, or what you are now. But we’re stronger with those we care for than without them. Every last one of us.”

The perfect brow tilted, curiously birdlike in gesture. [[You’re trying to be kind. But you do not understand.]]

She chuckled. “Lassie, I’m an old woman. Time’s treated me better than most. But if you think these old bones offer up more than a fraction of what they used to, then you’re as big a fool as ever I met. Should have packed all this in years ago, ’cept some folk think there might be a bit of wisdom rattling around my head. But you do what you want. I can’t stop you.”

[[No,]] said Anastacia. [[You can’t.]]

She held the stare for what seemed for ever. Long enough for Revekah to wonder if Anastacia was considering hurling her back into the pool. Then without another word, the shawl came up anew. Water streaming from her clothes, Anastacia stalked away into the mists.

Cold, wet and fighting an odd mix of anger and ennui, Revekah let her go. Fifteen years. Fifteen years she’d watched and waited, helping Josiri become the man Katya would have wanted – the leader the Southshires needed. It was all coming apart, and one man lay at the heart of it all.

Viktor Akadra. She couldn’t stop Anastacia doing as she wished, but she could sure as sunrise put an end to him.

Newfound determination burning away the chill of sodden clothes, Revekah went in search of Tarn.

Calenne returned to the muster fields an hour before noon. Viktor emerged from his tent in full plate armour and surcoat, the great fennlander’s claymore strapped in place across his back.

“You promised to get some rest.”

“Your expectation is not my promise,” he replied, with only a hint of mockery. “For what it’s worth, I did sleep for several hours after you left.”

Calenne crossed her arms, uncertain if she believed him. “And if I asked Captain Kurkas?”

“He’d offer whatever reply granted him the quietest life. But it is the truth. My good intentions and arrogance both now have their second wind.” He hooked an eyebrow, the motion tugging on his scar. “Did you find him?”

She nodded. “You’re wasting your time. He won’t listen.”