“Soldiers?”

“Outlanders. Wearing red sashes or some such garb.”

“The Red Hounds? Riding in such numbers?” He swore, such an ugly word that Mai flinched away and he did not even notice.

Tuvi said, “We did not expect a show of force, captain.”

“Where are the agents we suspect?”

“All under observation. But they would have heard the plans for the wedding festival and could easily have passed out a message.”

“And I arrived only yesterday, with no prior warning.” Anji shook his head. “We should have expected them to strike today. Tuvi.”

“Anji-hosh.”

“Now the soldiers you’ve trained will prove their worth. We’ll call a general alert, and proceed as we discussed.”

“They’ll know you’re on to them,” said Joss.

“It is a game of hounds and wolves, Joss. We knew the agents of the Red Hounds would penetrate this settlement, despite all our precautions, so the Hieros lent us certain of her agents to keep track of their agents.”

“Aui! You never told me!”

“The fewer who know, the less can be spoken. Now they strike, seeing an opening, hoping and perhaps believing we do not suspect. They’re taking a risk with an open attack knowing we have eagles who can spot them—” Abruptly, he grasped Mai’s arm, harder than she expected, pinching her skin. “It’s a feint, Tuvi. To make us careless. Joss, can you take Mai out of here? If I know she is safe, then I do not fear them.”

“Anji?”

“No fears, Mai. We are prepared for them.”

“For poisoned knives? Why not poisoned arrows?”

“Even so, Mai. Therefore, you must go immediately.”

“I’ll take her myself,” said Joss.

“Too bad about the marriages!” she said, really angry now. “How unfair to interrupt the festival! Now it will have to be done all over again.”

“If they’ve placed all the offerings, verea,” said Joss, “then the ceremony is complete. The feast can be celebrated later. Will you come with me?”

She burst into tears and, hating herself for the weakness, sucked them down. “Yes. Of course. I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

Anji had never told her! He and Tuvi had kept secret from her all along the troubles they foresaw!

“Take her to the Ri Amarah,” said Anji.

“I would attend the mistress as well,” said Priya.

Joss nodded. “I’ll assign a second reeve to convey you, verea.”

“Mai, be strong.” Anji released her, turned away and, with the chief and his guardsmen around him, took off at a run.

Sheyshi began to weep noisily. “Do you leave me behind, Mistress? Do you leave me?”

“Hush,” snapped Priya.

Mai was shaking, but she began walking up into town, Joss beside her.

“Easier to make a quick break,” he said, “than drag out the parting. And if it makes it any easier, he didn’t tell me either about this secondary arrangement he made with the Hieros. A secretive man, your husband.”

She wanted to defend Anji, or agree with Joss, but she was already out of breath. A second reeve landed in the market square. A woman ran to them.