He did not allow Fenn to answer.

He carried on to say, “And we don’t even know if we continue to have access to our treasury—”

“Enough,” Fenn bit.

But Tedrey was trying very hard not to straighten to attention in his chair.

Treasury?

What treasury?

“We cannot recruit if we cannot pay,” the soldier informed Fenn.

Pay?

Pay who?

“We’re done speaking,” Fenn decreed.

“We cannot possibly be done,” the priest refuted.

“For now, we are done speaking,” Fenn insisted. “I must think.”

“We must retreat, regroup, take stock. Like we did after we lost G’Dor. What we should have done after our attack on Catrame Palace failed. But Seph pushed.”

“Seph has been dealt with,” Fenn reminded him.

“Not quickly enough. Now we must pause before all is lost.”

“And perhaps we will, if you give me time to think,” Fenn snapped. “Not to mention, I must understand what the others are thinking and that will take the time you ask, for we have to wait for bloody birds.”

“Mars returns, and this is not good news for us. They have not forgotten.” The man cast a meaningful glance at Tedrey. “They are sniffing about our acolytes—”

“The Go’Ella know nothing,” Fenn reminded him.

“Are you so sure?” the soldier queried. “Are you sure they have not overheard anything? Are you sure no loyal soldier said something stupid during pillow talk? Are you? Because I’m not. At this point, I’m not sure of anything.”

Fenn made no response.

The soldier looked to Tedrey.

“Do you know anything, considering you’re so very close to the captain of the Trusted?” he demanded.

“I know what I’ve shared, what you’ve just shared,” Tedrey replied. “That they have not forgotten. That they have already connected G’Dor with The Rising, and although they have no evidence, they are operating on the fact that we infiltrated their land years ago. They have five priests, I know of no more, and they are interrogating them, not waiting for Mars. Though, when Mars returns, they will walk to the pits.”

“Other than that, you have nothing,” the man stated his question.

“Other than that, so far, no. However, I do remain in his confidence, even if he understands why I felt the need to return to my faith. That said, he hardly shares with me everything they do to protect their realm.”

“And he knows you’re not of The Rising,” the soldier pressed.

Tedrey faked preening.

“For some time, up to the now, I live with him, his wife, let him fuck me, his wife watching, and no. They think I’m a teacher and a priest. Nothing more.”

“You’re certain?”

At that, Tedrey faked annoyance.

“I’m sure, but even if he suspected, I’ve said nothing and will say nothing,” Tedrey assured testily. “I want no noose around my neck. I want no pitch filling my lungs. What I want is our sacred gods revered throughout all lands. I managed to survive the last campaign. I managed to get close to the captain of the Trusted Ones. I am here. I did not flee. I withstood the abuse of our last general, and still I am dedicated to our mission. So, it would please me if you did not question my faithfulness. For it has been tested, sorely,” he threw out both hands, “and here I sit.”