“You’re going to be in trouble, aren’t you?” I found myself feeling a guilt I hadn’t felt in years, a reminder that Qown was only here in this mess because of me. And if everything went as planned, I’d very likely be doing exactly what I’d promised I never would.

Namely, abandoning him.

Qown grimaced. “I’ll be fine. I’m useful. Relos Var likes my work. Don’t worry about me. You have more important things to do.”

“I can’t leave without you,” I said.

“Who said anything about leaving? You just want to explore some caves under the castle, don’t you?” He gestured toward the armor. “And if you find any god-king’s buried treasure down there, bring it up, would you? Kaen won’t be happy when he receives the bill for this. Do you have any idea how much shanathá costs?”

I laughed, feeling the humor like a stab wound. In the years since we’d been brought here, it did indeed feel like Qown had been a part of the Yoran intelligence-gathering community, someone who earned his keep. But he also stood as hostage to my good behavior, and what I proposed was anything but good behavior.

“Qown … no. I won’t let them hurt you.”

He shook his head. “You’re going to have to trust me when I say they won’t.” His crooked smile made it clear he understood the irony of asking me to trust him. “Besides. It’s my decision. Leave me one thing that is my decision.”

I exhaled, fighting back my own sadness and despair. “Promise me you’ll stay safe.”

“I’m under orders from Relos Var to try,” he said. “When do you want to descend?”

“We’re looking for specific circumstances. For one, Aeyan’arric has to be here in the mountains, and two, none of the wizards should be present.”

Qown blinked. “Aeyan’arric? Why do you care about Aeyan’arric?”

“Because…” I sighed. “You really don’t need to know that.”

“Wait, I thought you were cleansing the Spring Caves so the Yorans could use them again.”

“That’s the side effect, not the goal.”

“Aeyan’arric wouldn’t matter unless you…” He stared. “You’re going to try to kill her, aren’t you? Even if you could—and you can’t—what good would it do?”

“It will keep her from icing over any more villages in Jorat or attacking any more of my—” I stopped. “It needs to be done. Stop asking questions. When are we going to do this?”

He thought for a moment. “Now.”

“What?” I blinked. I wasn’t ready or expecting now.

Qown nodded. “Now. Relos Var and Senera left this morning. I’m not sure where, but it seemed important—and they left Aeyan’arric. It’s as good a window as we’re likely to have.”