“We can. And now that you have lots of time to think, consider this: if we’re defeated by the priestess, will we tell her where to find you or not? That is, if we live through the battle.” She paused to let her words sink in. “I guess if no one shows up after thirty sun jumps, you’ll have your answer.”

She tilted her head toward the exit and the three of them turned to go.

“Stop,” Jayden called, once again using his magic.

But Shyla was ready for him and deflected it. They strode from the chamber, turning right at the first intersection.

“No!” Jayden’s last anguished yell echoed off the walls, thudded with their heartbeats, and followed them all the way back home.

So. Much. To. Do. With only limited time. Before they entered their headquarters, Shyla explained to Ximen what she’d learned and what she was planning.

“Wait. The priestess knows we’re going to buy the platinum from Zimraan and you still want to go ahead with the purchase?” Ximen asked with plenty of skepticism.

“Yes.”

“And that’s where they expect to capture you.”

“Yes.”

He shook his head. “You’re the boss.”

And she had the most to lose. When she entered the common room, she noted the quiet conversations and morose expressions, the sense of defeat and fatigue in the air. Time to change that.

“Listen up,” she said, projecting her voice. “We’ve work to do.”

They fetched the rest of the Invisible Swords and she issued assignments. Handing a bunch of torques to Ximen, she said, “Figure them out. I want to know exactly what they can do and how to counteract them.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”

She ignored his sarcasm. “Have Titus help you. Gurice!”

The woman snapped to attention.

“You’re in charge of training the new wielders. Start with Mojag. He’s quick and from the way he stopped Jayden’s sand attack, powerful. Concentrate on manipulation; we’ll teach them the other techniques later.”

“Them?” Gurice asked.

“Yes, I’ll be sending you more soon.” She glanced at the two women and the man who’d been cracked. They’d sat together, looking overwhelmed and uncertain.

Then Shyla gestured to Elek and Jaft. “Gather all the warriors,” she instructed. “Ask the new members who can fight and see what they can do. I want a status report on readiness in a sun jump.”

They nodded and, for once, Jaft didn’t have a smart-ass reply. Shyla watched them move among the others. Before they could approach Rae, she pulled the woman aside.

“Rae, it’s your choice. Open your magic or join the fighters.”

While petite, Rae knew how to use her size to her advantage and was fierce in a fight.

“What do you need more? Wielders or fighters?” Rae asked.

An easy question to answer. “Wielders who can fight.”