The Wolfram captain knew better than to let anything in his voice imply criticism of a decision made by the Master Inquisitor, but Adolfo knew the man hadn’t been pleased to have a choice assignment given to unknown, untried, unwanted bastards who came from the enemy’s land. After all, what man wouldn’t want to be the one to supply the tools the Witch’s Hammer needed to hamstring the enemy?

Adolfo leaned forward, but the guard captain dismounted quickly enough to open the door for him.

A good man, Adolfo thought approvingly. He had the proper balance of subservience and authority, and his ambitions didn’t outstrip his common sense. “Where is the Sylvalan boy?”

“Just up ahead. He was stopped by our outriders. I can have him brought to you, Master Adolfo. There’s no need for you to walk.”

Adolfo raised his right hand in a gesture that was dismissive but not slighting. “I welcome the opportunity to stretch my legs,” he said mildly as he walked toward the head of the column of men. The column split, men stepping to the sides of the road to leave the center clear for him and the guard captain, who handed his horse’s reins to one of the men.

The boy stood to one side of the road, flanked by two guards. Two others flanked the cart, while the fifth held the horse.

Catching sight of him, the boy brightened and took a daring step away from the guards. “I succeeded, Master Adolfo. I found what you were looking for.”

Adolfo moved a few steps closer, then stopped to give the boy that mild stare that had shattered the nerves of Wolfram barons when the Master Inquisitor showed up at their estates unexpectedly.

“I am the only one who decides if you succeed, boy,” Adolfo said softly.

The boy paled and looked at the ground. “Yes, Master. I—My apologies for speaking out of turn.”

Adolfo smiled. “We’ll see if your success is reason enough for a loss of manners.” He walked over to the cart and frowned. Then a scent wafted up from the cart, and his heart began to race. He pointed to the smaller sacks. “Show me.”

The guards flanking the cart moved to one side, reached in, and untied the tops of the sacks.

Perfect, Adolfo thought. Of the eight carts he’d sent out, only three others had returned with anything he could use. When added to these…Five tools weren’t as many as he’d hoped for, but they would be enough to distract the enemy leaders. Now all he needed…

Tipping his head to indicate the large sack, he looked at the guard captain. “Show me.” Sweat beaded on his forehead. His heart hammered in his chest as the captain opened the sack and pulled it down enough to show him what was inside.