“We now have three, but they may not be needed. Because we also have names.”

They had names.

Bloody brilliant.

“True is positioning throughout his land and has sent word to Mars and Cassius for them to do the same,” Tor continued. “The best scenario would be that all strike at around the same time. As that would take some weeks to arrange, and we do not know what they are up to, True and Alfie have decided that we will move now. You need to eat and garner strength, for True wants you to command the taking of that building.”

True wanted her to do it.

Serena, the harridan of the Nadirii.

She did not want that to feel good.

But she could not deny it felt good.

“How many names?” Serena asked.

“We think enough that taking them, along with seizing that building and what we hope lies within, will be a blow from which it will be difficult for them to recover. Especially if Mars and Cassius move just as swiftly to disable other agents of this organization.”

“It could also serve to press them into action peremptorily,” she pointed out.

“Perhaps, but it is difficult for an army to act without its generals.”

This made sense.

Serena looked between Gal and Brix.

“Are you both in accordance with this strategy?” she asked.

They shot each other glances, seemingly surprised she asked, before Brix said to her, “It is the will of our king.”

Serena nodded and turned her eyes to Tor.

“When?” she queried.

“Three days hence,” Tor told her. “These priests are located throughout this realm. True has sent word, and now awaits birds and riders. But True needs to hold for confirmation all are in place to make arrests before we seize that building. Therefore, be advised, it might be longer.”

Serena nodded.

“In the meantime, keep watch and eat,” Tor ordered.

It was odd it did not chafe when, at his order, she nodded again.

“You’ll get the go ahead from Gal or Brix,” he said.

“Right,” she replied.

“Not long, Serena, and you can be away home.”

Home.

Why did the sun and green no longer appeal to her?

“Right,” she repeated.

“Until it’s over, be careful,” Tor warned.

“You as well,” she said.

He tipped up his chin her way then dipped it to Gal and Brix.

Pulling the hood over his handsome visage, he then moved to and through the door.

When it closed behind him, Gal asked, “What do you wish to break your fast?”

She had no appetite whatsoever.

“Whatever you can lay your hands on,” she mumbled, falling to her arse on the pallet and wondering, even on the somewhat thick mattress and under the definitely warm blankets Gal and Brix had provided, thus getting a sound sleep, why she still felt exhausted.

Brix dropped down from the table and walked to stand by where she sat, putting his fists to his hips.

“If all happens as True wishes, you will have time to make Airen for your sister’s wedding,” he informed her.