“I don’t know. But I do know she can’t surprise us with them like Tohon did at Zabin.”

“Why not?”

“Ulany’s dead.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know that. Glancing at Ryne, I wondered what else he kept from me.

“We took her out when we rescued Estrid’s soldiers from the trap.”

The time he left me behind, again. With good reason, but still... No, I wouldn’t go into that now. Instead, I asked, “Why do you think she’s retreating?”

“I think she’s regrouping and taking stock of her resources. Pulling back into the safety of Vyg, Cellina can coordinate her forces and plan her next move.” He stopped in front of a wooden door. “That’s what I’d do if I was in her position.”

“All right. But that doesn’t explain why you want the infirmary closer to Zabin.”

Ryne grabbed a lantern from the wall, opened the door and gestured me inside. I scanned the room. Desk, armchairs, a worn couch, a single bed, and chest of drawers filled the space. This was more than just his office. The single bed snagged my attention. I wondered if Ryne had ever found that person.

He set the lantern on the desk and sat behind it. He probably didn’t have time for anything other than waging war. Perhaps when this was all over.

I plopped into one of the armchairs on the opposite side. Sinking into the thick cushions, I relaxed. Nice until I remembered he hadn’t answered my question. I repeated it.

He propped his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his hands as if debating how much to tell me.

Sick of the song and dance, I leaned forward. “Enough with all this mystery, Ryne. How about a little trust?”

“I told you about Cellina.”

“Not that. I’m talking about Odd’s timely rescue. You could have sent me a message, informing me of your plans.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

“Hell, yes!” I slammed my hand on his desk. “I wouldn’t have taken on two broken ribs, weakening me. I’d have kept my stiletto handy.”

He creased his brow. “But you knew there was a chance she’d send a team to kidnap you.”

“I did. But I didn’t know you told our guards to let them in. If you’re going to use me as bait, at least warn me.”

“Ah.” He dropped his hands and pushed a few papers, lost in thought. “But what if you objected?”

“There’s that trust issue again, Ryne. Let me give you an example. I really didn’t enjoy dying for you, but I trusted Kerrick and his reasons that you needed to live. If you’d explained that confirming Cellina’s desire to awaken Tohon was important, then I’d be fine. I might not like it, but I trust your reasons. Now you need to trust me to follow your logic.”

Ryne shook his head. “Kerrick warned me you wouldn’t follow orders, so I figured if I worked...around you, it’d be better.”

“That was different. I didn’t trust him then.”