She got down without a word and handed Edgar’s reins to the ranker. No one noticed her as she passed through the courtyard, or at least no one spoke up. One didn’t accost a colonel, Winter supposed. She was reminded of the night she’d spent outside the Vendre, drifting through the crowd, the mad carnival atmosphere contrasting with her own gloom. That had been just before she caught Jane and Abby together.

That was unlikely today, at least. She caught a glimpse of Abby in the thick of it, surrounded by recruits and old Leatherbacks alike, leading one of the endless, bawdy soldier’s camp songs with a tankard as her conductor’s wand. Winter smiled, briefly, and turned away before anyone noticed her.

The keep was deserted, except for a pair of Royals on guard inside the door. They saluted as Winter passed, as did the pair on watch outside her office. One of these two was a Royal, an unhappy-looking man who kept looking longingly toward the party outside, but the other was a woman. Winter waved aside her salute and stopped in front of the door.

“I thought the Girls’ Own was off duty for the night,” she said.

“Punishment detail, sir.” The sentry, a short, muscular woman, vibrated with the stiffness of her rigid posture. “For smuggling drink into the camp.”

“Ah. I hope you’ve learned your lesson.”

“Yes, sir!” The ranker cracked a smile. “Don’t get caught next time.”

Winter smiled in return and went inside. Her office, well lit during the day, was huge and shadowy in the darkness. Only a few candles burned on the big central table, and Winter was surprised to see Cyte and Bobby there, poring over maps and scribbling notes and figures.

“Welcome back, sir!” Bobby said, popping to her feet. “Did you talk to Jane?”

“I talked to her.”

“And will she be returning to camp?” Cyte said without looking up.

“Maybe. I hope so.” Probably not. Winter sat down at her own desk, slumping into her chair. “We’ll see. If she’s not back by the time the party’s over, I’ll send some men to bring her in.”

Bobby winced. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“What are you two working on, anyway?” Winter said to change the subject.

Cyte seemed to understand, and gathered a stack of paper to bring to Winter’s desk. “Arrangements for tomorrow. I’ve already sent couriers to intercept the upriver barges. I’m working on arranging our wagon train.”

“I thought we were leaving the wagons behind.”

“They can follow as best they can, sir. I’ll detach a couple of dozen soldiers to look after them. If they take the same route we do, it should be safe enough.” She paused. “They’ll also be on the lookout for anyone we have to leave behind on the march. That could save lives.”