“No.” Ryne hopped to his feet. “I’ve too much to do.”

“Uh-huh.” I followed him from his office. ‘What’s next?”

“I’d like you to stay here for a few days while the patients are moved into the new infirmary site.”

“Why can’t I go now? And don’t tell me it’s not safe. No place is ever completely safe.”

“I agree. But that’s not the reason. During our explorations of the tunnels, we’ve encountered a number of exits that are blocked by Lilys. We need you to determine if they’re Death or Peace Lilys.” He paused. “Funny that I’ve mixed feelings about the results. On one hand, I hope they’re Peace Lilys so my men can get in and out, but on the other, we’re in serious need of more Death Lily toxin.”

That reminded me. Rummaging in my pack, I pulled out the four sacks I’d collected on our way to HQ and handed them to Ryne.

“You’re amazing,” he said.

“I know.” I smirked. “And if any of those Lilys in your way are Death Lilys, I’ll talk to them, see if we can work out a truce.”

“You can do that?” He sounded incredulous.

“Of course. I’m amazing after all.”

He groaned. “I’ve created a monster.”

* * *

“Why am I here?” Odd asked from behind me. His words echoed slightly.

“For protection.” I peered beyond the bubble of lantern light, searching for a sign that we’d reached the end. Nothing but a solid wall of darkness.

“Protection from what? Rats?” Odd’s voice held a slight hitch.

I glanced over my shoulder. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of rats.”

“Not rats.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know.... It’s creepy down here. Are you certain you know where you’re going?” he asked Hogan.

Sergeant Hogan carried the lantern in one hand and a map in the other as he led us through the labyrinth of tunnels. “For the fourth time, yes. My squad has been mapping these shafts for days and this one is pretty straightforward.”

“Days? Gee, I feel much better now,” Odd grumbled.

Hogan ignored him. Smart. The quiet young sergeant was one of Ryne’s soldiers from Ivdel and he had a rather no-nonsense demeanor. Unlike Odd.

Puddles dotted the uneven floor of the mine. Our footsteps sounded too loud and a heavy mineral scent laced the damp air. Having spent many days and nights in caves, I wasn’t as bothered by the tight space or the tingly feeling of pressure on my shoulders. Just because thousands of pounds of dirt and rocks hung above our heads was no reason to be... Oh, who was I kidding? It was creepy. Odd had a point.

“This is payback, isn’t it?” Odd asked me.

“Payback for what?”

“For letting Cellina’s men ambush you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You were following orders.”

“Somehow I don’t feel all warm and fuzzy inside.”

“Sounds like a personal problem.”

“Cute. What was I supposed to do? Warn you?”

“Did Ryne tell you not to?” I asked.