Page 88 of Of Steel and Scale

After tugging on my coat, I dug the pain herbs out of my pack and took them, then strapped on my sword and knife, and slung the bow and quiver across my back. After clipping the backpack to my belt, I headed out. The pack bumped against my thigh with every step, but at least it left my hands free—a good thing, given I’d be climbing rather than descending through the mountain tunnels this time.

Katter was almost in the same position as he’d been when I’d left a few hours ago.

I greeted him, then said softly, “You should get some rest, Katter. You’re no good to anyone if you drop from exhaustion.”

He smiled and scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I will once dawn wakes and things calm down at the entrance.”

“There’s been another attack?”

He grimaced. “Let’s call it a prelim skirmish. No riders this time, and they weren’t wearing the golden armor, so we had no problems driving them back. Good suggestion about the grease, by the way. It helped.”

I nodded. “Has Rudy managed to set up the trapping pit?”

“He had to grab some rest first, but he’s working on it now.” He hesitated. “Jay and Riyale will accompany you back to the exit, and secure the scribe tablet once you make the report. We’ll set up another sentry point there, just to be safe.”

I nodded again. “It’s unlikely any reinforcements and supplies we can get here will be able to use that entrance. It’s too high up the mountain and would take too long for those on foot to reach.”

“Indeed, but it is the perfect place to scribe. We’ll also be able to see incoming ships from that vantage point and arrange an easier—and likely safer—docking area.”

If the weather hadn’t closed in around the peaks, that was. I accepted the ration pack he gave me, then formally saluted. “Please send my regards to Hanna, and tell her I’ll see her in happier times.”

“I will.”

“Thank you, Administrator.” I hesitated. “Perhaps we can share a fine jug or two of mead once this is all over?”

“I look forward to it, Captain.” He lightly returned my salute, and once again got back to his missives.

I glanced at my escort, then turned and headed out. We made good time out of the main cavern and moved quickly through the closer tunnels before slowing when we reached the one that looped up to the upper ledge. The light from the tubes danced across the dark stone, lending it a bluish-purple glow that was almost pretty. I ate some of my rations along the way and sipped at the water, but really didn’t feel any better. The headache remained, and it was bad enough that I wished I’d brought more pain relief along with me.

It was hard to know the precise time we finally reached the key-shaped tunnel exit, because clouds hugged the mountain close and there was nothing but a deep blanket of damp gray as far as the eye could see.

It wouldn’t disrupt the scribe’s ability to make contact, and it would certainly offer good protection as I scrambled down the mountain to meet Kaia, but it would make that descent damnably unpleasant.

I tugged the tablet and pen from the pack and squatted against the wall while I sent a quick rundown of the situation, then asked if the boats had left yet.

Will two hours after dawn has risen.

I frowned and sent back,What time is it now? And why wait so long?

The sun rises in an hour. We wait because the riders have been sighted a few hours after dawn and before sunset.

Which suggested that it was really only the middle of the day, when the sun was at its strongest, that they were restricted—andthatwas not good news.Has there been another attack?

No, but several outposts along the Blue Steel range have reported sightings. They appear to be scouting beyond Esan.

Planning their conquest over the rest of Arleeon if they succeed in overrunning us, no doubt.

Yes.The tiny ink blot that was the quill he was holding pulsed gently for several seconds.What of Garran’s family? His parents?

I hesitated. This really wasn’t a question I wanted to answer, especially when we had no confirmation as to their fate. But I was a captain, and this was not the first time I’d had to be the bearer of bad news.

Hanna and their son are alive. No reports yet on those who remained to defend the city. Glenda is currently unaccounted for, but they haven’t yet registered all the survivors. She may be here but helping with the wounded.Which was highly unlikely, given if that were true, Katter would have known.I’m leaving the tablet with Katter’s men. They have a list of supplies they need ASAP, if you’ve time to add them to the boats.

We have.The ink blot pulsed for a second or two.Stay wary.

Hoping to be home by dusk.

If you’re not back by then, we’ll send out a search party.

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