Johnis was the first to snore fifteen minutes later. Silvie lay next to him and took his hand in hers. There was no telling what awaited them with the rising sun, but she was increasingly sure of one thing: wherever Johnis went, she would go. They were meant for each other, in more ways than one. The journey would lead them to some kind of bliss.

It was her new duty to keep him alive long enough to enjoy that bliss.

“MISSING?” THOMAS SNORTED. “AGAIN?”

“Well, no one’s seen either of them for two days,” Billos said. “I think that qualifies.”

And what’s worse, the books are missing with them, Billos thought. With each passing hour his realization that the quest for the ancient books was indeed not only a worthy pursuit, but one that demanded his complete devotion, grew. A week ago he’d scoffed at the idea; now he was desperate for it, for that power he’d felt but once when touching the book.

“He’s hiding, then,” Thomas said.

Darsal nodded. “Could be, but if so, they’re hiding pretty well. The last they were seen was at your scolding.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him to hide for a week,” Thomas said. “Are they in love?”

Love? Johnis and Silvie? Billos had never considered the possibility.

“Could be,” Darsal said. “They are fond of each other, that’s obvious.”

“And what about you two?” Thomas asked, matter-of-factly.

Darsal looked away and blushed.

Neither could deny that there was an unspoken connection between them. This strange bonding that had evolved since he’d rescued her from certain death nine years earlier. Was it love? Maybe not, but looking at the side of Darsal’s flushed face now, Billos guessed the bond between them was something as strong as love. Perhaps stronger, if that was possible. But what did he know of love?

“Not that I’m aware of,” Billos said, facing Thomas. “At least not love, as in we’re-to-be-married love.”

Thomas studied him, perhaps wondering why Billos might try to hide the truth. It was that obvious, wasn’t it?

“Keep it that way if you can,” Thomas said. “I need officers who have their wits and priorities on the mission, not on each other. Follow?”

Yes sir,” Billos said. He ignored a silent glance from Darsal and changed the subject. “What about Johnis and Silvie?” he asked.

“Give them time to heal, lad. You two put your minds to the squads we’re forming. I want the lists of your twenty best by this afternoon. The next time we meet the Horde, I’ll need these young recruits doing more than filling trenches with resin and hiding in the bushes.”

Billos left feeling more anxious than he’d been when he’d approached the supreme commander. “Something’s up, Darsal. I can smell it like a hint of smoke.”