That only left the question of supplies — food, water, clothing, and weapons. Once again, Amelia proved herself, finding a way to solve two problems simultaneously. The wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of course wanted to visit their men, but if too many came too often or all at once, it could spell catastrophe. Amelia put out the word that with the cemeteries full, the dearly departed would have to follow a certain route out of the city via the cargo district. If the mourning parties were made up of all women, and the box on its carriage was full of potatoes, well, he was a big man wasn't he?

As the network of the resistance grew in size, and hope began to return to the citizens of Ralanast, Rogan's thoughts again turned to the prison camp, just a half day's journey from the city. He knew thousands of Alturans and Halrana were being kept there, and that the Halrana would be fearful of fighting if they had loved ones in the camp.

Rogan knew the prison camp was the first place they needed to free.

There would be men in the camp who would fight, adding to their numbers, but the effect on his men's morale would be even greater. Knowing the prisoners were free and seeing their fellows rise up against their occupiers would cause even the most jaded Halrana to join the fight.

"It's time to send word to Sarostar," Rogan said.

"Are we ready?" Marcus asked.

"We're not ready," Amelia frowned. "Even I can see that."

"No, we're not ready," Rogan said. "In three months, perhaps four, we'll be ready, but it's now time to plan. I'm going to tell the Lord Marshal in Altura, and you can tell your Prince Tiesto, Marcus. It's presently the middle of spring. We'll be ready at the end of summer."

"The end of summer. So long?"

"I don't know what support we can count on from Altura, but it will take them months to fight their way here even if they are able to. The end of summer, Marcus."

Marcus hesitated but then nodded. "I'll tell Prince Tiesto."

"I need to get home," Amelia said. She paused, as if about to say something, but didn't. Instead she quickly leaned forward and kissed Rogan on the cheek. "I'll see you the day after tomorrow," she said.

Rogan watched her go, a startled expression on his face. Amelia left the storehouse, closing the wooden door behind her.

"What was that?" Rogan said to Marcus.

Marcus laughed; it was a big hearty sound that poured from his chest. "There's no better man to lead this resistance," he said. "But when it comes to women, you're as big a fool as the rest of us."

23

23

"I FEEL like I have my skin back," Shani said, grinning.

"I know exactly what you mean," Ella said, surprised at the amount of pleasure she felt to once again be wearing her green silk dress.