The Lieutenant observed, They have the momentum, with Forsberg taken, the Salient overrun, Roses gone, and Rye besieged. There are Rebel mainforcers headed for Wist and Jane. Theyll be stopped, but the Circle must know that. So theyre dancing on the other foot and coming at Lords. If Lords goes, theyre almost to the edge of the Windy Country. Cross the Windy Country, climb the Stair of Tear, and theyre looking down at Charm from a hundred miles away.

I continued scanning and sorting. Elmo, you might look around and see if you can come up with anything else. She might have something tucked away.

Use One-Eye, Goblin, and Silent, Raven suggested. Better chance of finding something.

The Captain okayed the proposal. He told the Lieutenant, Get that business out there wrapped up. Carp, you and Candy get the men ready to move out. Match, double your perimeter guard.

Sir? Candy asked.

You dont want to be here when Whisper gets back, do you? Goblin, come back here. Get a hold of Soulcatcher. This goes to the top. Now.

Goblin made an awful face, then went into a corner and began murmuring to himself. It was a quiet little sorcery-to start.

The Captain rolled on. Croaker, you and Raven pack these documents when youre done. Well want them along.

I maybe better save the best out for Catcher, I said. Some will need immediate attention if were to get any use out of them. I mean, something will have to be done before Whisper can put the word out.

He cut me off. Right. Ill send you a wagon. Dont dilly-dally. He looked grey around the edges as he stalked outside.

A new strain of terror entered the screaming and shouting outside. I untangled my aching legs and went to the door. They were herding the Rebels together on their drill field. The prisoners sensed the Companys sudden eagerness to cut and run. They thought they were about to die just minutes before salvation arrived.

Shaking my head, I returned to my reading. Raven gave me a look that might have meant he shared my pain. On the other hand, it might have contained contempt for my weakness. With Raven it is hard to tell.

One-Eye shoved through the door, stomped over, dumped an armload of bundles wrapped in oilskin. Moist clods clung to them. You were right. We dug these up behind her sleeping quarters.

Goblin let out a long, shrill screech as chilling as an owls when you are alone in the woods at midnight. One-Eye charged the sound.

Such moments make me doubt the sincerity of their animosity.

Goblin moaned, Hes in the Tower. Hes with the Lady. I see Her through his eyes... his eyes... his eyes.... The darkness! Oh, God, the darkness! No! Oh, God, no! No! His words twisted into a shriek of pure terror. That faded to, The Eye. I see the Eye. Its looking right through me.