It’s a humid summer afternoon, nearing evening. I’m dressed like a Dara man in a coarse tunic and trousers, and the moisture from the air coats my skin. My hat hides my darker complexion and lighter hair from casual observers, but anyone who comes close would know I’m not from here. It can’t be helped though. The crows must be trained in daylight, so the best I can do is pick a time when Amparan soldiers are unlikely to show, and hope for the best. And if any of the villagers see me…well, Dara’s leader assures Gatha that his people have little reason to turn me in. I hope he’s right.

A shadow flits over me—probably Slicewing, who likes to fly low. I repeat Gatha’s directions to myself as I walk. Second path from the south, then down a side trail to a well surrounded by three cottages. According to Gatha, the village leader lives in the biggest of these three. I could knock on the door, but there’s a cluster of women standing by the well. Instead, I circle to the back of the cottage and knock on the window shutters.

After a few moments, a man peers out. He’s a little older than Gatha, with some white in his short black hair. Like the others, he’s soft and well fed. But I suppose he looks as much like a leader as any of them.

“Village leader Tal?” Since I don’t speak the Dara language, I address him in Amparan.

When he nods, I tilt my hat back. “Gatha sent me.”

His eyes flicker over my face. “Wait there,” he says, and ducks out of view. A few moments later, he comes around the corner. “Did anybody take notice of you?”

At least he feels no need for pointless talk. I shake my head.

“Good.” Tal looks around nervously. “An imperial messenger came to the village this morning with an escort of three soldiers. If the Goddess smiles on us, you won’t cross paths with them, but it’s best to be on your guard.”

If the Dara Goddess is anything like our gods, I’d best keep my own lookout. “And if they see me with you?”

Tal smiles grimly. “I’d rather not find out.”

All the more reason to get this done fast.

I look to the sky and whistle sharply. A few moments later, Slicewing spirals down and lands on my shoulder. Scrawny alights on a nearby rock, and I hold out my hand for Preener to land. The birds cock their heads to look at me.

“Tal,” I say to them. “Learn Tal.” The three crows launch again in a flutter of wings. Tal cranes his head and watches them circle overhead.

“Hold out your hand,” I tell him.