Betsu blinked, astonished. ‘Yes. That’s exactly what we do. And why? So we can form a fucking defence! So we can plan! We do nothing here but aid our enemies by delaying our return to the people who need to know that we’ll be fighting.’ She jerked her thumb at her own chest. ‘I’ll not die a slave in this place. I’ll not serve these people knowing I didn’t do everything I possibly could to save us all. This was a fool’s errand and so it has proved. Who are we to negotiate with an Empire that has stolen the land, livelihoods, and identities of so many? They may sweep over us eventually, but I’ll not stand by without a weapon in my hand and watch them do it.’

She grabbed a blanket from the bed pillows and fastened it around her throat as a cloak against the weather. She ignored the shawl Enet had gifted her. ‘We can win, Tayan. I truly believe that. So I’m going to make sure we do. Are you coming?’

Tayan pressed his lips together and then shook his head. Betsu didn’t even blink. ‘I can’t,’ he whispered. ‘I’m no warrior and I don’t have your stamina. I can’t keep up, and I can’t see well enough – you know how I was on the way here, and that was moving at an easy pace.’ He held up his hands. ‘But you should go. I’m going to agree to their terms. I’m going to say that if they return after the Wet, we’ll accept the song. No, listen – it’s just about delaying them now. I’m going to give you as much time as I can. If Malel is watching me, I pray she’ll make me convincing. If I am, they’re going to come to Yalotlan as builders and administrators, not warriors. Kill them all, because it’ll be bloody after that and it’s the best I’ll be able to give you.’

She did react at that, gave him a slow, approving nod. ‘You’re a good shaman and a good peace-weaver, Tayan,’ she said, surprising him, ‘but you’re no fighter; if they put the brand on you, there’ll be nothing you can do to stop them.’

‘Then make sure you come back here and rescue me,’ he said, only half joking. Acid swirled in his stomach and the urge to go with her was growing every second.

‘Arm the farmers and shamans and artisans; train everyone,’ he emphasised in a low voice. ‘But don’t move into the stolen land – not yet. No actions that can get back here to put the lie to what I’m going to tell Enet.’

Betsu sucked her teeth and then growled in frustration. ‘I agree. But make it convincing, or you’ll be the next one thrown to those fucking Drowned.’