They were in Miro's tent at the allied army's encampment outside the walls of Sakurai. Both men preferred the austerity of the tents to the strange structures and giddy heights of the builders' city.

"They're running out of essence," Rogan said. "I've seen it before, back in the Rebellion."

"That's not the only thing though. You know what I'm talking about."

"The Hazarans," Rogan said.

Miro nodded. "The Hazarans. We've tried to communicate with this Prince Ilathor but his replies are guarded and ambiguous. He doesn't sound like a man accustomed to the bargaining table."

"You know their reputation," Rogan said. "Kill first, ask questions later."

"We need an alliance," Miro said. "Our information says they're ahead of us in the race to Seranthia."

"Your sister would be the natural go-between," Rogan said. "She travels with them."

"I don't know how I can get a message to her," Miro said. "Anything I send to her will be intercepted by the prince. I don't trust him, Rogan."

"If the Hazarans are the first in Seranthia, she'll be the only Alturan there," Rogan said.

"Miro," a new voice said. Marshal Beorn entered the tent. "There you are. There's a message." He held out a piece of paper. "It's from Prince Ilathor."

Miro exchanged glances with Rogan and then took the scroll, quickly breaking the seal: a desert rose in yellow wax. Miro quickly scanned the paper while the other two commanders looked on.

"Prince Ilathor says fire is the best weapon to use against the draugar. He also says to cut off the revenants' heads, something we've already learned. They are short on essence, but they drain faster in warmer weather, so once winter settles in we'll find it harder to wear them out. He mentions nothing about an alliance." Miro looked up. "And finally he says my sister is no longer with him. She's out there somewhere on her own, in the enemy-held lands near Seranthia."

Miro handed the note to Rogan, who scanned it swiftly.

"What does this mean?" Marshal Beorn asked.

"He's sending us a message," Rogan said. "He's telling us he intends to be in Seranthia before winter sets in properly. We need to press on. Some of the Toraks might join our cause, but they'll need to be trained as we march. We can't be the last to reach Seranthia. The future of the world depends on it."

"I've come to a decision," Miro said, standing.

Rogan and Beorn regarded him. "Tell us," Rogan said.

"Freeport is to the north. I'm going there, alone."

"Freeport?" Rogan frowned. "There's nothing there but fish and trader ships."

"It's a frequent port of call for the Buchalanti," Miro said, "and I can be in Seranthia in days on one of their storm riders."

"Alone? You're mad," Rogan said, "let me send some men with you."

"The Buchalanti are neutral," Miro said. "If I have soldiers with me they'll never give me passage."