She grinned, and Feor smiled back. Before Raesinia could think of another question, there was a sharp pain at the back of her head, as though something had popped underneath her skull. She saw Feor stagger slightly.

“Is that . . . ,” Raesinia said.

“Another naathem,” Feor said. “Very close by.”

“A friend of yours?”

She shook her head, face white. “They have found us.”

*   *   *

MARCUS

Marcus—

Yours received. Timing unfortunate. M.’s representatives already arrived here, situation unstable. Will send word of further developments.

R must be kept safe, Willowbrook secure, all else secondary. Suggest remaining at Willowbrook until safe route out of the city can be secured, then hide in the country. R may object, but no more good options now that M. has revealed his hand. Suspect PD on their way to Vordan, do not risk operating with them at large.

If things resolve in our favor here, I will be able to assist you. If not, you will be on your own. In the latter case, I have sent instructions home; in the event of my death, take R to Mieranhal. The people there will keep you both safe.

Hope to see you again soon. If not, it has been an honor.

—J

“This is all?” Marcus said.

“We’ve gone over it several times,” said Lieutenant White, who ran the flik-flik station. Around them, the solar was a mess, as men packed books and papers into trunks. “Orders for us came through a little later. We’re moving the station out of the city down to the first waypoint, in the forest behind the University. Most of our gear is already there.”

“But this . . .” Marcus gestured at the page. “What the hell does he mean ‘in the event of my death’? What’s going on out there?”

“Sir, I don’t know,” White said.

Giforte put a hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “Let the lad keep packing.”

“Sorry.” Marcus shook his head. “It’s just . . . not what I was expecting.”

“This has caught us all by surprise.”

“So you’re pulling out? What about the Names?”

“Downstairs is staying here. The idea is that if nobody knows about this place, moving the flik-flik station will remove the most obvious way they might find out. We’ll leave a guard as well, of course.”

“It still seems like it would be safer to move everything out of the city.”

“The problem is transportation. All those tablets weigh tons—getting them out without drawing attention would be difficult.”

Marcus thought for a moment. “Maybe we can put something together with the army supply services.” It was working for the refugees—or had been working. They’d put the whole thing on hold when Maurisk had launched his coup. “I’ll see—”

“Marcus!” The shout came from below, accompanied by a Mierantai voice.

“You can’t go up there!”

“Marcus!” Raesinia called again. “We’re in deep shit!”

“Is that the queen?” Giforte said, frowning.