Still, the old monk held her gaze. He remained upright until she was done. Then, trembling under his blankets, he sank back onto his pillows. His fingers tapped like a whisper.

—Truth, Queen. I thank you. The Cult of the Many values it.

He closed his eyes. Estie worried that she had exhausted him. But he had more to say.

—You astonish me. Weak as I am, you astonish me. Now I find that I do have counsel for you. If you will hear it?

Estie did not hesitate. “Of course, Father. Anything.”

His chest lifted, let out a sigh.

—Speak more truth. To your husband, perhaps? If you choose. Or to these Magisters. Some of them have forgotten that the ungifted deserve respect as much as they do.

More? thought Estie. She bowed her head to spare herself the sight of the old monk’s ravaged features. Did she need to confess more? Even to Bifalt?

Perhaps she could.

TWENTY-NINE

THE GREAT GOD’S CAVALRY

Late that night, General Klamath located Hellick among his widely scattered riflemen. Together, he and the sub-Commander made their way up the knuckled slope of the foothills.

It was not an easy climb. With only starlight and the moon’s silver to show the way, they had to feel their way. Jagged boulders reared against them like threats. Loose dirt slipped under their feet, their reaching hands. They went carefully until they reached the rim of the outcropping where they had seen Amikan soldiers.

They found sub-Commander Waysel waiting with a shaded lantern in one hand. A handful of guardsmen stood around the plateau, keeping watch.

Klamath had never met the man. Hellick knew him well.

When they had been introduced, Waysel said quietly, “I am honored to meet you, General.” In the dim glow of his lantern, his round face looked hollow. “I know a little of what you have endured. I expected you to bring your men here. They could rest better, and you could watch our cannon at work.”

“We have other orders, sir.” Klamath did not know how much time he had. He might need to be back in his covert soon. “Show us the cannon. Tell us what you hope to accomplish.”

Waysel shrugged. “As you say, General.”

Leading the way, he took Klamath to the four north-facing siege-guns. “When we are told to fire, these will shatter the road. We may need to adjust their aim a little, but they will succeed.” Then he went to the five pointing down at the foothills. “With these, we can punish the Great God’s men as they climb. Their balls and chain will pass over the road.” He sounded embarrassed. “We cannot aim them lower. Their trucks will not permit it. But we will do what we can.”

Klamath said nothing. He would have preferred more siege-guns. Nine would have to suffice.