“He can, but we kept moving and I didn’t want to slow him down.”

“What did you find out?” Belen asked.

“Give the man a break,” Quain said. “Let’s get a fire started and heat up some food.”

“Trust Quain not to miss a meal,” Loren said.

Quain bumped Loren’s arm hard as he issued orders. In no time, a warm fire blazed and a pile of dirty dishes grew. I snuggled next to Kerrick, anxious to hear his report, but also afraid.

“I can’t wait any longer—was Tohon at the Healer’s Guild?” Belen asked.

“Yes,” Kerrick said. “He set up camp right in the middle of the ruins. Big fancy tent with a rug.”

I straightened in alarm. “You got that close?”

“No, I caught a glimpse when the flaps opened.”

“How many troops does he have with him?” Loren asked.

Kerrick glanced at Flea.

Flea said, “Approximately five hundred living soldiers, and about eight hundred dead protected with neck armor. And a dozen dead ufas that guard Tohon’s tent.”

“And we have—” Quain pretended to count heads “—the six of us.”

Sinking back against Kerrick, I closed my eyes. Tohon was too well protected.

“We have an idea,” Kerrick said.

I opened my eyes in time to see Flea nod.

“Yeah, we’re thinking we can stay downwind of the camp, Loren can shoot a flaming arrow at Tohon’s tent, setting it on fire, and when he runs out into the confusion, Loren puts another one into his heart.”

“And there’s also Saul’s squad and a few others Ryne has left behind so we can create a nice distraction,” Kerrick added.

“You really think Loren can get that close?” I asked.

“Well, there’s a slight chance of success.”

“How about if Loren comes in from another direction?” I asked.

“What are you suggesting?”

I told him about the mine shafts. “If you create a distraction to the east, we could sneak in from the west.”

Kerrick and Flea exchanged a significant look.

“Yes, that could work,” Kerrick said.

“And if it doesn’t?” Quain asked.

“Plan B,” I said.

Everyone looked at me.

“And that would be...” Quain prompted.

“Retreat through the tunnels.”

“Not bad.” Quain pursed his lips.

“When are we implementing this plan?” Loren asked.

“Wait,” Quain said. “Why rush? Why can’t we send a message to Prince Ryne and have him send a thousand troops to back us up?”

Kerrick inclined his head. “Tohon knows we’re here. He won’t wait much longer. The sooner we move, the better. How long did Private Beau say it’ll take to navigate the tunnels?”

“Three days, and we’ll come out about two miles west,” I said.