“You puzzle me, with your dull mind and witless foreign face. Vali says you are the one who told him to request more food for the prisoners.” Perhaps he meant to be intimidating, with a belligerent stare and restless hands so like Shai’s detestable brother Girish, but Shai had faced far more formidable opponents. He had his story and words down cold.

“I’m so hungry, ver. Never get enough to eat. Makes me tired. Mutton was good, though.” He smacked his lips.

“I don’t understand you. I fear there is something I am missing. Best we get you to her. She’ll know what to make of you.” He shuddered, as though by invoking the nameless her, he remembered what fear was, he who obviously need fear nothing. “Sergeant, see our friend the woodcutter does not escape. Meanwhile, I must now return to Olo’osson to scout the plain and the Rice Walk for other remnants of Lord Twilight’s broken army. I knew the plan would come to nothing under that outlander’s incompetent command. Heh. Our lackwit looks something like him, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, lord,” said the sergeant in the tone of a man who is grateful when he is overlooked.

“You and your company must press onward without my guidance.”

“We could wait here for you,” said the sergeant, careful not to look up.

“In some ways this seems a safe enough place, very isolated. But I taste an odd flavor on the air, just out of my reach.” He shook his head, rubbed his fingers together. “I can’t name it. Keep moving. Do not lose the two I favor. You will bring them intact to the army, with the lackwit. If you fail me, I will be sure to make you personally pay for the loss.”

The sergeant kept his gaze lowered as his voice quavered. “Yes, lord. All will be as you command. What of the other prisoners? What is your will with them?”

The lord whistled before replying. “The army needs recruits. Those who are ashamed of what they have done will not wish to escape home. No mercy for those who fall behind.”

His winged horse paced into view, and the guards drew back fearfully. The lord wiped his hands on his trousers as though wiping off sweat. He did not look back as he rode into the dusk.

“Now what, Sergeant?” asked a guard.

“Bring me that girl I like,” said the sergeant curtly, looking irritated.

“Right where the lord sheltered, Sergeant?”

“I’m captain of this troop now, aren’t I?” He sauntered over to the shelter as Vali crawled out. Grabbing the boy by the shoulder, he yanked him out so roughly that the lad sprawled face-first on leaves and muck. “Bring Yudit. She’s my favorite, and I’ll thank you boys not to touch her any longer.”

“Cursed getting above himself, he is,” muttered the first guard. “Just like that.”

The second said, to Shai, “Come on then, you and them.”

Dena held Shai’s hand, still crying, but Vali walked with arms clenched tight against his chest. After a bit, Shai said quietly, “How are you faring, Vali?”