“No news.” Ryne sounded as tired as I felt.

I considered our strange conversation. “Danny might know if there were older children in Tohon’s castle.” Except he was in Alga Realm with the northern tribes. “Kerrick told me his healing powers ignited. He should be training with me.”

“One of the tribeswomen has a form of magical healing and he’s working with her. He’s safer there for now.”

And Zila was with Kerrick’s brother, Izak, and his Great-Aunt Yasmin. Four years younger than Danny, her powers wouldn’t develop for a few more years. Although Danny was only thirteen; young for a healer, but not unheard of.

“Avry, go get some sleep. I’d like you to check that last exit before leaving for the infirmary,” Ryne said.

“All right. Where should I spread my bedroll?”

“There’s barracks on the living level in the mines.”

“Beds?”

He smiled. “The mattresses are thin, but they’re off the ground.”

I sighed. That was the best news I’d gotten all day. Which said quite a bit about my day.

* * *

“Did you request me to escort you to the infirmary?” Odd asked. He leaned in the doorway of the barrack.

“No. I asked for Saul and his squad, but they just returned from a ten-day patrol.” I folded my blanket and stuffed it into my pack.

“Saul? Even after I just spent the last seven days crawling through the mines with you. I’m insulted.” A pause. “Why Saul?”

“We didn’t crawl, and I thought you’d like a break. Besides...”

“Besides, what?”

“He’s quieter,” I teased. Saul was a man of few words.

“Fine, then I won’t talk during the entire trip.” Odd crossed his arms and pouted.

“You sound like a four-year-old.”

“Who’s a four-year-old?” Ryne asked as he squeezed by Odd.

“Odd’s acting like one,” I said.

“Am not!”

I spread my hands out. “See?”

“Avry, be nice. Odd’s one of my best sergeants. His squad has one of the highest mission-success rates of my army.”

“Ha!” A pleased, almost smug, expression creased his face.

“Now you’ve done it. He’s going to be impossible. I’m willing to wait a day for Saul to rest up.”

“I’m not,” Ryne said. “We can’t waste any time. News of your little incident with Cellina’s patrol will eventually reach her, and one of two things will happen. She’ll either recall her troops or stick with the plan. Either way, I can’t send as many soldiers as I originally planned to attack Zabin or we won’t be able to hold off if Cellina’s northern troops engage.”

“Why would she continue?” I asked. “She no longer has the element of surprise.”