“Are you sure you want to do that? After all, the creator is the reason you’re in here. Plus you might want to wait to see how all this ends up first.”

“Have faith.”

I laughed. We continued to discuss the details. “How will you let the other towers know when to attack?” I asked.

“During prayers.” She grinned. “We’re packed in so close that there’s lots of communication going on then. The guards can’t watch all of us at the same time. Give me your hand.”

Curious I held out my right hand. She turned it so my palm faced up. Then she traced a pattern on my palm with her finger nail. “We signal hand to hand. I can do this without looking.”

“What did it mean?”

“It’s time.”

After lights out, I lay on the hard wood of my bunk, marveling at the turn in events. If we rescued them all, that would be a big blow to Estrid. But I kept a tight grip on my emotions. Too many unknowns, and too many things had to go right, which Tohon gleefully pointed out in my dreams every night.

I’d relax later when we rendezvoused with Kerrick. Perhaps we’d celebrate with a private party—just the two of us in a cozy hollow. My body warmed at the thought. I missed him.

Cold, harsh reality intruded in the morning. Roused by the guards, we filed out, ate breakfast, visited the privy, and knelt for prayers. Neither Odd nor any of his men was among the guards. Unease swirled. I spent the day listing all the things that could go wrong—a very long list.

The next morning, I spotted one of Odd’s men with the guards. He ignored me, which meant I’d have to endure yet another day on my knees, staring at the ceiling. I searched my memories, recalling just how many locked doors we’d crossed on our way in. My gaze drifted to the levels framing the window. Remembering the monastery had resembled a wedding cake, I guessed each frame was a floor. I counted eight floors. The towers had seven levels, which fit with what I’d seen. The top of the towers didn’t reach the highest tier.

Interesting. There were also eight sets of doors on the way to freedom. That meant we were on the ground floor and in the dead center of the square building.

When we returned to our towers, I realized Fydelia had been right. After seven days on my knees, I didn’t feel quite so stiff and sore and I had healing powers. How long would it have taken my body to adjust without my magic? My opinion of these women increased.

* * *