“Why bother luring him out?” I interrupted. “I brushed against Druj’s mind for a few moments while the azi fought his indar. He’s smarter than Aenah, but not as feckless as Usij. I doubt you will get them out of the mountain for any reason until they find their prize, and time is running short. I understand that we might have the disadvantage going in, but with his soldiers depleted, that may be the best course of action.”

“Mayhap it would be better for everyone if it did burn,” Althy murmured. “Let the First Harvest burn.”

“I don’t think it would take to fire that easily,” Kalen said. “Lord Agnarr gave me the impression that it would endure whatever we did to destroy it.”

“Then who do we send into Mithra’s?” Kance asked.

“Tea and me, Zoya and Althy if they’re up for it, a half dozen more asha and Deathseekers. Some soldiers to guard the entrance, perhaps, and the rest to make sure the Drychta survivors don’t try anything else,” Kalen replied.

“The Drychta survivors are down to manageable numbers,” Althy agreed. “They’re the lucky ones, given the fates of their comrades. Perhaps they will be amenable to surrender now.”

King Kance sighed. “This will put you all in greater danger.”

“There’s not a lot of choice at this point.” Kalen allowed himself a smile, drawn tight at the edges. “And that’s part of our job description. In fact, I’d rather start sooner than later. Once Tea has rested enough.” There was a question behind his words.

I nodded. “I’m fine, and I’m ready. The Drychta think we’ll be licking our wounds, and they’ll surely be tending to theirs. They won’t expect an attack so quickly after the last.”

Althy nodded. “I’ll send for the other asha.”

“Are you sure, Tea?” Kance asked, momentarily forgetting to be formal. “This is…” He paused, and his heartsglass supplied the rest: This is asking too much of you.

“This is bigger than any of us, Your Majesty. Aadil’s actions imperil the rest of the kingdoms, including his own.” I cleared my throat. “We won’t have much communication once we’re in the Wall, and I might need someone to scry in too, so I can inform you of what happens inside. I propose that Khalad be my—”

“No. Let me do it.”

“Your Majesty—”

“Khalad still has a lot of work to help the wounded, and my other generals need to focus on other matters should Aadil attack again. Allow me to be your Scrying vessel, Tea. Let me be useful.”

I took a quick, surreptitious glance at Kalen, who inclined his head ever so slightly. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

• • •