The Demonai warrior shrugged. “I can look after myself,” he said. “Even though there is no safety for uplanders anywhere within the Fells anymore.” Reaching out, he put his fingers under Raisa’s chin and tilted her face up, examining the fading bruises on her cheekbone. “Of course, I don’t need to tell you that,” he said. “When I saw what had been done to you, I wanted to lead a party of warriors onto Gray Lady and rid ourselves of this infestation of wizards for good.” His voice shook a little, and it appeared to take some effort to regain his composure.

“We have to resist a rush to judgment,” Raisa said. “While it’s tempting to blame my mother’s death on the gifted, we need better evidence before we—”

“We do have better evidence,” Nightwalker interrupted. “We’ve learned something more about the queen’s death.”

Raisa gripped his arm. “What is it? What did you find out?”

Nightwalker shook his head, grimacing. “I should not have spoken prior to our meeting. It’s actually Lord Averill’s and Night Bird’s news to share.”

“Night Bird?”

Nightwalker nodded toward the warrior Raisa knew as Digging Bird, who was striding toward them from the pony corrals, a frown on her face. “Night Bird is her Demonai name,” he said.

When Night Bird drew closer, her eyes fixed on Raisa, then went wide in recognition and surprise. The new warrior dropped to one knee before Raisa, her soft curls flopping forward as she bowed her head and brought her fist to her forehead. “Your Highness. I am sorry. I did not recognize you at first.”

“Night Bird, I haven’t forgotten your brave service at the turning of the leaves,” Raisa said. “The Demonai warriors saved my life that day, and you played a major part.”

Night Bird came back to her feet, seeming eager to escape the attention she was getting. “I am honored that you remember me.” She shifted her eyes away and bit her lip, her cheeks pink under her coppery skin. “Please accept my condolences at the loss of your mother the queen.” She seemed badly rattled for one who was usually so self-assured.

Raisa inclined her head. “Thank you. Congratulations on being named to the Demonai. In these dangerous times, I’m grateful to have warriors like yourself that I can trust.”

Night Bird raised both hands as if to ward off the compliment. She looked almost stricken. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she whispered through stiff lips.

Ah, Raisa thought. She’s probably heard that Nightwalker and I have a history together, and she’s wondering what my return will mean to their relationship. Though she had better get used to it. Nightwalker has been making history for years, throughout the uplands.