“She’s right,” Evie insists. Then, gazing at the expectant and bloodied faces all around her, her voice lightens, “But you did well this night! And this night is ours!”

Scattered cheers arise from the battle’s survivors.

Mother Manai turns to the hodgepodge of warriors, soldiers, and Savages gathered around them.

She raises the fist of her empty gauntlet, her words like thunder. “Let’s hear it for the Sparrow General!”

Now the cheers are unified and deafening, arms and fists and blooded weapons rising to the sky as they begin chanting the title of Evie’s abrupt battlefield promotion.

Again she moves her gaze across their faces, dirty faces and bloody faces and masked faces, some marked with runes and others painted with battle decoration. She listens to her name on their hungry lips. It’s the first sound to drown out the pounding in her ears. She feels herself smiling despite everything that’s happened and is continuing to happen around her.

The smile lasts only until Evie glances once more at the blade of her sword. It’s still sheathed in Crachian blood, blood no amount of chanting, no matter how loud or resplendent or devoted, will ever wash away.

THOUGH IT BE HARSH, COME BACK TO THE LIGHT

“ARE THEY STILL OUT THERE?” Lexi asks.

Taru latches closed the tower doors, turning to face the Te of Gen Stalbraid waiting at the top of the first flight of steps.

“The small round one left for a goodly while, but I believe it was simply to use the facilities. One of them always remains.”

Lexi frowns. “I suppose we should simply be thankful neither of them followed Spud-Bar.”

Taru nods. The retainer is carrying a basket filled with goods retrieved from the Gen Circus’s bazaar.

“You’ve been busy,” Lexi observes.

“I have, Te-Gen. I took the sky carriage to the Spectrum. Copies of all ship manifests and schedules are required to be submitted for their records daily.”

Lexi descends several steps. “And so?”

“The Black Turtle is scheduled to arrive one week from today.”

Lexi nods, that steely resolve falling over her expression like a curtain. “Then you will meet them one week from today and retrieve whatever Brio left with its captain.”

“Are you certain, Te-Gen? I do not like leaving you unattended.”

“I am never unattended. The Protectorate Ministry is erecting a colony on my doorstep.”

“That is the reason I do not like leaving you unattended.”

“It cannot be helped,” Lexi insists. “I can’t leave Daian in his condition. Speaking of which, how went the other half of your task?”

Taru raises the basket. “We will find out momentarily.”

The retainer begins stalking the steps to join Lexi.

“You might wish to wait in the parlor, Te-Gen.”

Lexi shakes her head, following the retainer up the spiraling steps. “You may need help.”