‘Kruppe, of course, never coughs.’

‘And why is that?’

‘Why, because he drinks sage tea.’

Her brown eyes slipped past his and settled on the wagon a dozen paces away. ‘How does she fare?’

Kruppe’s brows lifted. ‘You might ask her, lass.’

‘I can’t. I can be nothing other than an abomination for my mother – her stolen youth, in the flesh. She despises me, with good reason, especially now that Korlat’s told her about my T’lan Ay.’

‘Kruppe wonders, do you now doubt the journey undertaken?’

Silverfox shook her head, sipped at the tea. ‘It’s too late for that. The problem persists – as you well know. Besides, our journey is done. Only hers remains.’

‘You dissemble,’ Kruppe murmured. ‘Your journey is anything but done, Silverfox. But let us leave that subject for the moment, yes? Have you gleaned news of the dreadful battle?’

‘It’s over. The Pannion forces are no more. Barring a couple of hundred thousand poorly armed peasants. The White Faces have liberated Capustan – what’s left of it, that is. The Bridgeburners are already in the city. More pressing: Brood has called a council – you might be interested in attending that.’

‘Indeed, if only to bless the gathering with Kruppe’s awesome wisdom. What of you – are you not also attending?’

Silverfox smiled. ‘As you said earlier, Daru, my journey’s not quite over.’

‘Ah, yes. Kruppe wishes you well in that, lass. And dearly hopes he will see you again soon.’

The woman’s eyes glanced once more at the wagon. ‘You will, friend,’ she replied, then drained her tea and rose with a soft sigh.

Kruppe saw her hesitate. ‘Lass? Is something wrong?’

‘Uh, I’m not sure.’ Her expression was troubled. ‘A part of me desires to accompany you to that council. A sudden urge, in fact.’

The Daru’s small eyes narrowed. ‘A part of you, Silverfox?’

‘Aye, inviting the question: which part? Whose soul within me now twitches with suspicion? Who senses that sparks are about to fly in this alliance of ours? Gods, even worse, it’s as if I know precisely why ... but I don’t.’

‘Tattersail doesn’t, yes? Leaving Nightchill and Bellurdan as potential candidates possessing prescient knowledge fraught with dire motivation. Uh, perhaps that can be said a simpler way—’

‘Never mind, Kruppe.’

‘You are torn, Silverfox, to put it bluntly. Consider this: will a minor delay in seeking your destiny unduly affect its outcome? Can you, in other words, spare the time to come with me to the warlord’s command tent?’

She studied him. ‘You’ve a hunch as well, don’t you?’

‘If a rift is imminent, lass, then your personage could prove essential, for you are the bridge indeed between these formidable camps.’

‘I – I don’t trust Nightchill, Kruppe.’