Bai nodded. “I know where it is. That’s where I meet Tohon to exchange news. The hells! I’m going after him, make sure it’s not a trap.”

“Heya,” said Shai, “I forgot. Edard told me that the password is ‘splendid silk slippers.’ ”

“Edard told you?” Bai looked at him with a narrowed gaze, then shrugged. “It’s worth trying. Veras, you’ll come with me. You two stay here with the children. Be alert. Keep them ready to move at short notice.”

Eridit’s eyes widened, and her look of alarm was real, not feigned. “What is it, Bai?”

“May be nothing. A feeling that’s prickling my skin.” She grabbed a pair of slender assassin’s knives, concealed them under her kilt, and strode off with Veras hurrying after.

“Now what?” Eridit asked.

Shai stuck his head into the tent, where the children sat and lay crammed together, watchful as they stared at him. “Form into banners. Pack up everything.”

“What’s happening, Shai?” Yudit asked.

“Maybe nothing. Stay quiet, but be ready to move if I give you the signal. And for that matter, eat up now. Finish off the rice and nai. We can buy more tomorrow.”

The children began gathering up scraps of clothing, eating utensils, leather bottles, and sacks of rice. He came outside and sat on the bench he’d built from scraps of lumber. Eridit twitched her ass down beside him and leaned flirtatiously against his shoulder.

“I like it when you talk with so much confidence,” she purred.

“Stop it!” He moved away. After weeks marching with the prisoners, he could not bear to even think about sex. “Or are you truly as cursed stupid as Tohon must think you are?”

“That was a mean thing to say.”

“Just because Tohon didn’t do the thing with you?”

“You jealous? Of his self-control, I mean.”

“You’re being an ass.”

“A horse’s ass, you mean, Shai. It’s from the tale of the Swift Horse. It’s a bedtime story. You know, before you get into . . . bed?”

“Leave me alone.”

“Great Lady,” said Yudit from within the tent. “Are you two arguing again?”

A soldier stumbled up toward the tent, obviously drunk. “Heya! You there! Outlander! I hear there’s lasses and lads for sale, eh? Nice and young and tasty. Celebrated their Youth’s Crowns and ready for a treat! Heh!”

Eridit ducked inside as Shai blocked the entrance. He wasn’t as tall as the soldier, but he knew how to brace as he shouldered the man back. “Mistress hasn’t opened yet for business, ver.”

“Sheh! You lot have sat here a week, eh? You’ve not fattened up that veal yet? I’ll bring a tey of rice every evening, you just let me in.” He pushed.

Shai sank to get his weight lower, and shoved hard back. The man staggered, unable to keep steady.