“It is possible the Pentadrians were sheltering in the old mines for the night,” Jen of Rommel, the Dunwayan ambassador, said mildly.

Danjin heard someone close by suck in a breath. He turned to see that Lanren Songmaker’s eyes were wide with realization.

“Mines?” Juran frowned. “You mean the ancient mines of Rejurik?”

Jen shrugged. “Perhaps. My guess would be the more recent ones. They’re just as extensive as their famous predecessors, but less likely to have collapsed. There are caverns deep inside them that are large enough to hide an army. Why you would want to, however…” He spread his hands. “Bad ventilation, so no fires and no hot food. They had a cold sleep that night.”

“Could they travel through the mountains into Hania?” Lanren Songmaker asked.

Jen shook his head. “Impossible. The mines never extended that far.”

“They have plenty of sorcerers. They could make the mines extend that far.”

“No,” Juran said. “It would take months, if not years, to carve a tunnel large enough. The rock and debris removed would have to go somewhere. Ventilation shafts would have to be created and sorcerers posted to pull air inside, as natural circulation wouldn’t be enough for that many people.”

As this was translated for the Siyee, Zeeriz looked relieved. Danjin felt a pang of sympathy for the young man, who’d rushed back only to have his abilities questioned so derisively by the Toren king.

“It sounds as if they sheltered in the mines for the night,” Berro said, waving a hand at Zeeriz. “Perhaps they feared an attack from our little spies.”

Little spies. Danjin suppressed a sigh. Berro was known for his habit of antagonizing the Genrians. It looked as if he was set on insulting the Siyee as well.

“If the army emerged the next day we’ll find out when the rest of the scouts return tomorrow,” Sirri replied.

“If they saw them.”

“An army that size is hard to miss from the air,” Auraya pointed out. “Even if they deviate from the road, doing so would slow them down and they would eventually have to return to it to approach the pass. There is only one road through the mountains.”

Berro nodded respectfully. “That is true, Auraya of the White.”

His unquestioning acceptance of her words only highlighted his disparaging attitude toward the Siyee, Danjin noted. Auraya looked at Juran, who met her eyes and nodded.

“Are there any further questions for Sveel of the Snake River tribe and Zeeriz of the Fork River tribe?” Juran asked.

Silence followed. Auraya turned to the two scouts. “Thank you for coming to us to report. You are tired and hungry. Allow me to escort you back to your people.”

As Auraya left, Danjin realized that Mairae was watching him. He smiled and inclined his head. The corners of her lips curled up, her expression unmistakably speculative. She turned to watch Auraya leave.