One-Eye joined us. You guys hear the latest?

! lifted an inquiring eyebrow.

They claim theyve found their White Rose child.

After reflection I responded, Dubious.

For sure. Word from the Tower is, shes a fake. Just something to get the troops fired up.

I figured. Surprised they didnt think of it before.

Speak of the devil, Goblin squeaked. He pointed.

I had to search a moment before spotting the soft glow advancing along the aisles between enemy divisions. It surrounded a child on a big white horse, bearing a standard of red emblazoned with a white rose.

Not even good showmanship, One-Eye complained. That guy on the bay is making the light.

My insides had knotted in fear that this was the real thing after all. I looked down at my hands, wondering if this child was the target the Lady had in mind. But no. I had no impulse to speed a shaft in that direction. Not that I could have gotten one halfway there.

I glimpsed Raven and Darling on the far side of the pyramid, hands going zip-zip. I headed that way.

Raven spotted us when we were twenty feet away. He glanced at my weapons-. His face tightened. A knife appeared in his hand. He started cleaning his nails.

I stumbled, so startled was I. The knife business was a tick. He did it only under stress. Why with me? I was no enemy.

I tucked my bow and arrow under my left arm, greeted Darling. She gave me a big grin, quick hug. She didnt have anything against me. She asked if she could see the bow. I let her look but did not turn loose. I couldnt.

Raven was as restless as a man seated on a griddle.

What the hell is the matter with you? I demanded. You been acting like the rest of us have the plague. His behavior hurt. We had been through some shit together. Raven and I. He had no call to turn on me.

His mouth tightened to a tiny point. He dug under his nails till it seemed he had to be hurting himself.

Well?

Dont push me, Croaker.

With my right hand I scratched Darlings back as she leaned against me. My left tightened on my bow. My knuckles turned the color of old ice. I was ready to thump the man. Take that dagger away and I stood a chance. He is a tough bastard, but Ive had a few years to get tough myself.

Darling seemed oblivious to the tension between us.

Goblin stepped in. He faced Raven, his stance as belligerent as mine. Youve got a problem, Raven. I think maybe we better have a sitdown with the Captain.

Raven was startled. He realized, if only for a moment, that he was making enemies. Its damned hard to make Goblin mad. Really mad, not mad like he gets with One-Eye.