“She’s a guest lecturer at the university, but I think she’s due to leave soon.”

Aphra was telling the truth, giving Shyla some hope. “Where is she staying?”

“In the visiting professor quarters on level forty-two. Right next to the entrance to the library. Do you know where it is?”

“Yes. What does the woman look like?”

“She’s about five centimeters taller than you and thin—skeletal thin. And she has a long narrow nose. You can’t miss that nose.”

“Great. Thank you.”

“Good luck.”

“You, too.” Hopefully everything would go well for the ex-treasure hunter. Then it hit her—perhaps Aphra would want to join them. She’d be a valuable asset to the organization. The woman had always treated Shyla like an equal and not some pariah. Plus Aphra wouldn’t have to worry about surviving on her own. “Wait. Do you want to join us?”

“The vagrants? No, thank you.”

“No, we’re not…” How to explain? And could Shyla trust her? She kept a light touch on Aphra’s emotions. If she spooked and planned to betray them, Shyla could erase Aphra’s memories of their encounter. “We’re the Invisible Sword.” Shyla braced for laughter.

But Aphra peered at her. “Like in Tamburah’s time?”

One of the benefits of being a successful treasure hunter was that you became an expert in history.

“Yes.”

“You found The Eyes.”

Aphra had been one of the few people who’d actually paid attention to a sun-kissed. Shyla stepped close to a druk, testing the woman’s observational skills. “I did.”

She studied Shyla. “You have pretty blue eyes. What would I have to do as a member?”

As briefly as possible, Shyla explained what they hoped to do.

Now the woman laughed. “Is that all?”

“It’s going to take some time.”

“You ain’t kidding. Do your members get paid?”

“No. You get shelter, food, water, and a good feeling by helping others. And if we overthrow the Water Prince, the new leader will be in need of an experienced and trustworthy archeologist.”

“If.” She huffed. “And the risks?”

“Besides the obvious ones?”

“Yeah, sorry. Let me think about it.”

Shyla didn’t sense any duplicitous emotions. “All right. If you decide to join us, we’ll be leaving Zirdai at angle zero, but not this upcoming one, the next one. Meet us near the north exit.”

“Okay.” Aphra hurried to catch up with the other diggers.