He looked at her in surprise. It was easy to forget that information did not always filter through to everyone. They had been flying together when the soldiers had been spotted marching down from the pass. Sirri had told him to fly back and inform the White, and though he had returned hours ago he had only just rejoined Drilli.

“Dunwayans,” he told her. “They live on the other side of the mountains, but farther north. The men who came down to meet us are tribe leaders, war planners and priests. Most of their army is in the pass, waiting for us to join them.”

She nodded and chewed slowly, her expression thoughtful. “Have you seen Auraya?”

He shook his head. “Songmaker says she practices magical fighting techniques with Dyara for most of the day.”

“She always spends some time each day with us, too, though. Nobody’s seen her at all since yesterday.”

Tryss took a bite of roasted gowt. It was interesting but not surprising that information about the Dunwayans didn’t spread quickly among the Siyee, yet they noticed Auraya’s every movement.

“I’m sure she’s occupied with something important. I might find out what it is tonight.”

Drilli made a small noise of protest. “Another war council? Am I ever going to have you all to myself for an entire night—without you sleeping through it all?”

He grinned. “Soon.”

“You always say that.”

“I thought you were tired.”

“Yes. I am.” She sighed and crouched beside the fire. “Exhausted. It makes me cranky.” The firelight bathed her skin with a warm orange glow, highlighting her cheekbones and the lean angles of her body.

She’s so beautiful, he thought. I’m the luckiest Siyee alive.

“Father still won’t talk to me,” she said gloomily.

He moved to her side and rubbed her shoulders. “You tried again?”

“Yes. I know it’s too soon, but I can’t help trying. I wish Mother was here. She would talk to me.”

“She might not. Then you’d feel doubly worse.”

“No,” she disagreed with conviction. “She would talk to me. She knows things can be more important than…than…”

“What things?” he asked absently.

“Just…things. Here’s Sirri.”

He looked around to see Speaker Sirri land on an outcrop above their camping place. She smiled.

“Hello, Drilli. That smells delicious.”

Drilli rose. “Hello, Sirri. You’re not skipping meals again, are you?”

Sirri laughed. “I ate something before.”

“Here.” Drilli stood up and tossed something in Sirri’s direction.

The Speaker caught it neatly. “A spice cake. Thank you.”

“She makes them hot,” Tryss warned.

Sirri took a bite, chewed, then winced. “They certainly are. Well, we’d best fly or the meeting will start without us.”