The king’s attention returned to Juran. “I have travelled at the fastest pace my troops could sustain in order to join you in time. We are, I believe, two days’ travel from the pass. Will there be time to rest?”

Juran frowned. “I can only give you a shorter day’s travel tomorrow. Your troops may have more time to rest once we reach the pass, however.”

“That will be sufficient.”

“You are also weary,” Juran stated. “It is late to be discussing war plans. If it is agreeable to you, I will travel with you tomorrow in order to relate to you all that has been discussed and decided.”

Berro smiled with relief. “That would be most agreeable. Thank you.”

Juran nodded and made the formal gesture of the circle. “I will speak to you in the morning then, your majesty.”

The king returned the gesture, then moved away, the crowd of nobles following. Auraya turned to regard her fellow White. Juran looked relieved, Dyara resigned. Rian and Mairae appeared to be pleased.

“At least they’re here,” Dyara murmured. “The Dunwayans are in the pass, setting traps. When they join us we will be quite a force.”

“Indeed we will,” Juran replied. “For now we should return to our beds.”

The others nodded. Mairae and Rian strode away. Dyara paused, then headed toward the Genrian army camp. Seeing that Juran hadn’t moved, Auraya approached him. He looked at her.

“What is it?”

“I was surprised you didn’t call me,” she said.

He looked relieved. “No. Mairae said you were doing an aerial patrol. That you have been doing so for the last few nights and I should leave you to it. Actually, I’m surprised you hadn’t told me.”

Auraya shrugged. “It’s just my way of pacing when I can’t sleep.”

He smiled, then suddenly became serious. “Well, just remember that effects from lack of sleep have a way of sneaking up on you when you least need them to. I don’t imagine an unintentional nap would be beneficial if you happened to be airborne.”

“No,” Auraya grimaced. “Not very. But…don’t hesitate to call me if you do need me here.”

He nodded. “I will.”

“I’d best be off to bed then.” She paused. “You too.”

He sighed. “Yes. You’re right.”

She moved away. Hearing a quiet yawn, she glanced back to see Juran cover his mouth with a hand. She nodded to herself. Perhaps he would rest a little easier now that the Torens had arrived.

Emerahl jolted awake. For a moment she felt panic rising. Was the caravan being attacked? Then a lingering feeling of suffocation sparked her memory and the dream came flooding back.

The tower dream. She felt a flash of irritation. Had the Dreamweavers become so unskilled they could not teach one of their own to stop projecting his or her dreams?

“Are you all right, Jade?”