Another devious thought struck. What if Sepp already knew that those who died from the plague were immune to the Death Lily toxin? What if he and Cellina had purposely released another form of the plague so they could create dead soldiers resistant to Ryne’s best defense? Blow darts filled with toxin had been the most effective in neutralizing the dead soldiers who all wore neck protectors. A soldier had to be close to use the skull jab, which had less success.

My thoughts churned as we traveled through the forest in silent mode. No one spoke and, when we stopped for the night, we ate cold rations because it was too dangerous to light a fire. Odd set up a watch schedule.

Wrapped in my cloak, I curled up on the ground. Flea and the monkeys kept their distance from me as they’d done all day. I didn’t blame them. If I’d seen one of them awaken the dead, I’d be keeping out of reach, too.

* * *

We arrived at the rendezvous point late the next afternoon. The location was a mile south of Estrid’s manor house outside Zabin. A woman with short blond hair waited with two men. They wore civilian clothes, but their movements and body language pegged them as military.

“I’m Drisana from Ronel Realm. You must be Avry.” The blonde woman held out her hand.

Hearing the correct realm, I shook her hand. “Yes, I’m Avry.”

Drisana wouldn’t let go. “Prove it.”

“How?”

“Prince Ryne says you have a powerful handshake.”

Oh. I sent a small bit of magic into her fingers, zapping them.

She clenched my hand harder, but otherwise her face showed no reaction. I increased the intensity.

The muscles along her jaw tightened. “Impressive.” She released her grip.

I pulled away and gestured to my companions, introducing them.

She nodded. “Here’s the plan. My team will lead an attack on the enemy bivouacking in the fields near the manor house. It will draw the soldiers from the house. At that time your team will breach the manor, find High Priestess Estrid and her staff, revive them, and leave.”

Her tone suggested it would be easy.

“Where do we meet up after we rescue them?” Odd asked.

“Your team will head straight east. Another squad will be waiting to escort the survivors to Prince Ryne. My team will go north so don’t wait for us,” Drisana said. “I’m also assigning an additional squad to your team.”

Odd nodded. “Good.”

“What if we run into too many defenders inside the house?” Loren asked.

“Save whoever you can and get the hell out. The High Priestess is the priority.”

“What time?” I asked.

“A few hours after midnight. Position your team near the manor. You’ll know when we attack. Get in and get out as fast as possible. Understand?”

“Yes,” Odd and I said in unison.