Rudiger winced as Fra-Mecatl whipped his hand with her stick. “Wrong! You are not paying attention.” She leaned over the table at him.

“I’m trying,” Rudiger said. “Honestly. But there’s just so much to take in.”

She whipped his hand again, and he bit back the words of anger he wanted to say.

She began to pace about the communal room. “Very well, we will return to the basics. The sacred animals, name them.”

He must have answered this question about twenty times already, but at least he knew he could avoid another hand-whipping. “The jaguar for Ninussa. The serpent, or sometimes feathered serpent, for Sestin. The quetzal for Frana. The bat for the Dark Lady.”

“Sacred colours?”

“Green for Ninussa. It represents royalty and power. Yellow for Sestin representing magic. White for Frana representing nature and the common people. Blue for the Dark Lady representing death.”

“They will never accept him,” Fra-Tepeu said.

“There have been male priests before,” Fra-Mecatl said.

“Outsider men?” Fra-Tepeu said, easing himself into a chair.

“Nothing specifically prohibits it.”

Fra-Tepeu laughed. “That makes no difference. They won’t allow it.”

Fra-Mecatl slapped her brother with her stick. “And you have a better idea?”

“Wait for Zandrue.”

“She was supposed to be back in under two weeks. It’s been three. Either she’s run off, or she’s dead. Either way, he’s my only choice now.” She jabbed her stick in Rudiger’s arm. “Or would you have me use the one in the cellar?”

“I would have you abandon this plan and start making new plans.”

Fra-Mecatl shook her head. “No. I’ve put too much work into this. It is too late to give up. It can still work.”

Their argument went on for several more minutes, but Rudiger tuned most of it out. His mind wandered back to Zandrue. Three weeks. She really wasn’t coming back. Had he driven her to it? He shouldn’t have argued with her. Shouldn’t have got angry.

Or maybe she was dead. He couldn’t shake the memory of her stumbles and the thought that she was ill. In that case, he should have gone after her, made her listen, insisted she let him or someone else help her. He couldn’t stand the thought of her body lying forgotten and undiscovered somewhere.

There was a thud as a book slammed onto the table in front of him. “Read,” Fra-Mecatl said. “We will resume tomorrow.”

Rudiger picked up the book. It was thick—thicker than his arm—and leather-bound. “All of it?” But Fra-Mecatl was already leaving the room and didn’t answer.

“Best read it all,” Fra-Tepeu said. “Just in case.”

Rudiger looked at the cover and wasn’t even sure what the title was. He was doing pretty well with spoken Ninifin, but he hadn’t paid any attention to the written form. It didn’t even have the same script as Arnorgue. He had no idea how he was going to read this.

“Yeah, I’ll do that.” Rudiger stood up and tucked the book under his arm. He should probably tell them he couldn’t read the book, but at the moment, he just couldn’t bring himself to. “I better check the horses first, though.”

The old man just nodded.

Of course, knowing his luck, Fra-Mecatl knew full well he couldn’t read it and this was some sort of test to find out how he would react, or how well he could deal with a difficult situation, or something like that. At the moment, though, he couldn’t bring himself to care.

He stashed the book in his room and headed out to the barn.

He was getting sick and tired of doing nothing day in, day out. He didn’t mind tending the horses, but it wasn’t accomplishing anything. Nearly three months and they’d made no progress finding Corvinian. Was there any point any more? The poor kid was probably dead, and even if he wasn’t, the trail was so cold by now, there was no likelihood of picking it up again.

This resistance he had somehow found himself part of also wasn’t doing anything other than waiting. Even the ones who were tired of waiting were still waiting. He had decided to take a risk and agree to support Acat, Kianto, and Ses-Patli, but he hadn’t even been able to tell them that as he hadn’t heard from them in nearly three weeks.

And there was no Zandrue. No Borisin.

Part of Rudiger just wanted to collect Jorvan and sneak away in the dark of night. They could find a way to scale the wall—Jorvan could just fly over it—and they’d be away from Ninifin forever. Except he doubted Jorvan would do it. Plus, any time he put serious thought into it, he worried Zandrue would come back the day after they left. So he always ended up choosing to wait one more day.

The horses were eager to get out of their stalls. Mulac and Nelli wasted no time hurrying outside, and Tepin was only a short distance behind them. Xoco decided to be contrary and just stood in her stall when Rudiger opened it. When he threatened to close it again, she pushed past him and out into the field.

Outside, there was activity back by the house. A large group of people had arrived with a covered wagon and several horses. Some sort of delivery? While Fra-Tepeu preferred his trips into the city, he did occasionally have things delivered. Though this seemed bigger than what Rudiger would expect for a delivery.

He walked a short distance towards the house to get a better look, but he couldn’t go far as he still had to keep an eye on Fra-Tepeu’s horses. Though Mulac was already wandering in that direction anyway. Rudiger was about to whistle to bring the horse back, but paused. One of the horses with the new arrivals was much larger than any of the others—a huge roan horse looking in his direction.

It couldn’t be, could it?

The horse continued to look at him. If it was Borisin, they were too far apart for communication. Rudiger wanted to head straight over there to find out, but he couldn’t leave the horses. He could take them with him, though. A little walk across the field for some exercise. It would be good for them.

Instead of whistling to Mulac, he whistled to the other three and they began the trek across the field. The closer they got to the house, the more the big horse looked like Borisin. After a minute, they were within range.

Took you long enough, Borisin said.

Took me long enough? You’ve been gone for months!

Figured you must have forgotten me, the amount of time you just stood over there gaping.

This is how you greet me after all this time?

Borisin turned his head to the side with a snort.

Rudiger broke into a run, which drew an excited whinny from Mulac. He leapt the last couple of feet and threw his arms around Borisin’s neck—as much of the neck as he could manage, at any rate.

Okay, now you’re just embarrassing me, Borisin said.

“Oh come on, you’re happy to see me and you know it.”

If that’s what you choose to believe.

The fact that Borisin wasn’t pulling away from him was all the confirmation Rudiger needed.

“What is this? Rudiger, what are you doing?”

Rudiger loosened his grip on Borisin, but didn’t let go entirely. He turned to face Fra-Tepeu who was coming over to him. “Sorry, Fra-Tepeu. This is my horse I told you about. It’s been a while.”

Your horse? I think you mean you’re my human.

“Yes, I gathered that,” Fra-Tepeu said. “Just don’t lose sight of my horses.”

“Don’t worry, sir,” Rudiger said. He took a quick look around. Mulac was mingling with the horses hitched to the wagon, while Nelli was approaching Lucinda. Tepin had stopped to graze, and Xoco was standing to the side pretending to ignore everything else.

“You’re speaking Ninifin now. You’ve adjusted well, it seems.” Eleuia was standing a short distance away, arms crossed.

Ses-Izel, Borisin corrected.

Right. Rudiger knew that’s what he should be calling her, but for some reason, he couldn’t help think of her by the name Eleuia. Maybe because so many other people referred to her that way. “Haven’t had much choice,” he said aloud.

“I must admit, I expected to find you dead,” Eleuia—Ses-Izel—said.

Rudiger shrugged. “Guess I’m harder to kill than you thought.”

“I doubt that.”

“To be honest, it’s been easier than you led us to believe.”

Eleuia laughed. “Yes, you’ve got Fra-Mecatl as a patron. How often have you left this ranch?”

“Fair point,” Rudiger said. “But we didn’t exactly have it easy getting here. You’re here earlier than I expected. I got the impression from others you weren’t due for a while yet.”

“Came back early at his insistence.” She walked over to Rudiger and Borisin and placed a hand on Borisin’s snout. “He’s quite the...ah...”

“Handful?” Rudiger said.

“You could put it that way.”

I’m no handful. You lot are either lazy or incompetent.

“Yeah, he’s definitely quite the handful,” Rudiger said. “How did you get past the wall?”

“Came through the gate, of course,” Eleuia said.

“Wait, if you could just take him through the gate, what was the big fuss about?”

“No, I couldn’t just take him through the gate.”

“Then I don’t get it.”

She sighed. “Look, officially I’m a merchant. I have a very difficult-to-get pass that lets me through the gate twice a year, once in each direction. So I have to be very picky about when I cross. There was no way I was going to cross back that early. On top of that, horses are not an item that I am licensed to trade in. So I have to have the exact same number coming back in as I had going out. In the case of your other two horses, I was able to sell two of mine, which I then replaced after getting back inside. Borisin was tougher.”

“Couldn’t you just sell a third horse?” Rudiger asked. “You’ve got four hitched to the wagon.”

“He refused to pull the wagon,” Eleuia said.

Rudiger rolled his eyes. “You couldn’t just pull it for a short time?”

Look at that thing. Look at those poor horses hitched to it now. You really think I was going to let anyone hook all that up to me?

“You couldn’t have compromised just a little?”

“It wouldn’t have looked right anyway,” Eleuia said. “There would have been all sorts of questions about why I purchased a stallion to pull a wagon. I couldn’t risk that much scrutiny.”

“So what did you do?” Rudiger asked.

Eleuia hesitated.

You’re not going to like this, Borisin said.

“What?”

“I got some help from Luana,” Eleuia said. “She provided me with a forged letter from Lord Elaster of Nallin.”

“What did it say?”

She turned to face him directly. “It says that Borisin is a gift from Lord Elaster to her Holiness, Queen Nin-Xoco as a gesture of goodwill from the people of Nallin to the people of Ninifin. That was pretty much the only thing I could think of which would get the guards at the gate to let me take an extra horse across.”

“Seems like it worked,” Rudiger said.

“Oh, it worked.”

“So what’s the problem?” He really hoped she wasn’t about to tell him she had to actually give Borisin as a gift to the queen.

That’s exactly what she’s about to tell you.

“Naturally, the gate sent word ahead. If I don’t—”

“Never mind,” Rudiger said. “He already told me you have to turn him over. And if you don’t, you’ll be arrested or something?”

“Much worse. I would probably be charged with stealing the Queen’s property and executed. Luckily, Fra-Tepeu’s ranch is on the way to the City, so I could stop here without drawing any questions. It’s something I would be expected to do.”

“So now what are we supposed to do?”

“Don’t ask me,” Eleuia said, turning away from him again. “I’ll turn him over to the Queen, and then he’s out of my hands. He’s your problem then.”

I figured we’d figure things out, Borisin said.

“My problem? You’re just going to wash your hands of the situation and walk away?”

She stopped and turned around. “Look, I never wanted to be part of this, okay? I’ve only done as much as I have because... You know what? I don’t even know why I did this much. I should have turned you and your friends away the moment I first saw you. No, I should have said no to Luana the moment she even mentioned you. So count yourself lucky that I’ve done as much as I have.” She looked at Borisin. “You stay out of this.”

Rudiger also looked at Borisin. “Why can’t I hear you when you talk to her?”

She can’t hear me when I talk to you.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

Eleuia sighed. “Look, Rudiger, I’m not totally heartless, okay. I understand. Your horse is a pain in the ass, but he’s...”

She likes me.

“I understand why you don’t want to lose him, but there’s nothing else I can do, and I can’t risk myself or my operation. So unless you have some amazing solution, I really am walking away from this as soon as I turn him over to the Queen.” She stood there, glaring at him, and waited. “Well?”

He sighed and shook his head.

She nodded. “We’re spending the night here. You’ve got that much time with him. Maybe you can figure something out. But don’t try to run off with him. I won’t hesitate to kill you. Now, I’ve got work to do.” She walked back towards her wagon and the members of her band.

“She doesn’t like me much, does she?” Rudiger said, patting Borisin’s neck.

She doesn’t know you like I do. So where’s the smelly one?

“Smelly one?”

Zandrue. I’ve told you before she smells weird.

“There’s a big difference between weird and smelly.”

Nah, to me she’s smelly. So where is she?

“Wish I knew, buddy. Wish I knew.”

“Rudiger,” Fra-Tepeu called. He wobbled over to him and Borisin. “Gather up my horses and Ses-Izel’s. Make sure they’re all stabled.”

What? You’re running the stables here? Hallelujah! Good service at last!

“Yes, sir,” Rudiger said, trying to hide his smirk.

Fra-Tepeu peered at Borisin and walked slowly alongside the horse. “He’s a good horse. Obviously seen some combat. A bit of scarring, but in good shape. I can see he hasn’t been under your care for some time though. I’ll convince Ses-Izel to stay an extra day, so you can clean him up properly before he’s presented to her Holiness.”

Rudiger didn’t think his heart could sink any lower, but it managed to then. “You overheard that?’

Fra-Tepeu smirked. “The two of you were loud enough. Especially at the end. But don’t worry. I think I have a solution for you, one even Mecatl will have to admit is perfect. I’ll tell you later at the house once everyone’s settled. Now get to work.”

* * * * *

Dealing with eleven horses was not the easiest task in the world. Rudiger conscripted the assistance of Ervin from Eleuia’s group, only to discover that, after nearly three months, the boy was still terrified of Borisin. He was also somewhat frightened of Rudiger. However, he worked well with the horses—just so long as he didn’t have to go near Borisin.

What did you do to that kid? Rudiger asked early on.

Nothing, I swear. Nothing at all. Well, I might have threatened to bite him once or twice.

Uh huh.

I wouldn’t have actually done it, but he skips spots when he’s brushing me.

Maybe because he’s afraid of you.

No, he’s just lazy.

Rudiger left tending Borisin until last, which initially annoyed the horse, but he acquiesced to the argument that going last meant he got the most time. It also meant Rudiger could send Ervin on his way and have time alone with Borisin—and the other horses.

“Can I ask you something?” Rudiger said as he began to work on the tangles in Borisin’s mane.

I think you just did.

Rudiger sighed. “Very funny. Why...” He paused as he tried to work on a particularly tight knot. “Gods, did they ever brush your mane?”

Sometimes, but the service was terrible.

“Because you scared Ervin.”

Already told you, he’s lazy.

“Sure. What about Eleuia?”

Ses-Izel.

“Right. Ses-Izel.”

Izel hates being called Eleuia. Doesn’t think she deserves it.

“You just referred to her without her honorific.”

I told you. She likes me.

“Did she ever brush you?”

She’s not much of a horse person, but I grew on her. So a bit more frequently as time went on, and she became a bit more open to talking.

The knot finally loosened and he was able to continue brushing the rest of the mane. “So, that question I wanted to ask—”

You mean you still haven’t gotten to it? I thought it was the question about whether they ever brushed me.

Rudiger stopped brushing for a moment and glared at Borisin. “Can we please have a serious conversation for once?”

Borisin shifted his rear legs a couple of steps and snorted. Fine. You want to know about me talking to others?

“Yeah, pretty much.” Rudiger moved on to brushing Borisin’s neck. “Didn’t even realise you could do it, since you never did. Least, far as I ever saw.”

I don’t usually.

“But you knew you could.”

Yeah. Sort of.

“Sort of?”

It’s hard sometimes. Takes a lot of effort.

“It does? With me?”

No, you’re different. Don’t know why. You just are. Could you scratch behind my ear? I have a terrible itch. Besides you didn’t brush there enough.

Borisin lowered his head and Rudiger reached over to brush behind the ears. “There. Now quit trying to change the subject. I want to know what you know about they way we talk. How’s it work?”

Don’t know.

“Do you know anything?”

A little.

“Then tell me what you know. Please.”

I’m not really sure where to start.

“Start with yourself. You’re the common factor. Who are you? What are you?”

I’m a horse! At least, I think I’m a horse. I look like a horse. I smell like a horse. Other horses treat me like a horse. I’m a horse. But I’ve always been different. Smarter. I learned when I was very young that I could talk to the other horses in ways they couldn’t do with each other.

“You talk to other horses?”

All the time, Borisin said. Though it’s not conversation the way you think of conversation. They don’t have language. They pick up on a few words you and other humans use with them, but they don’t have actual language skills, so they communicate...it’s hard to explain...in images, I suppose, though even that’s not quite right. It’s not the most interesting conversation. They can only express very simple concepts like happiness, fear, hunger. Ooh, that reminds me. I’m hungry. Anything to eat here?

“Yes, there’s food,” Rudiger said as he continued brushing Borisin’s back. “And you can have it once we’re done. Now, go on.”

You’re no fun. Anyway, neither were they for the most part. At some point, I started to wonder if I could communicate with non-horses. It didn’t work with other animals, but I discovered it could work with humans. Scared my so-called owner of the time half to death when I spoke to him. He declared me a creature of Night and sold me to the first merchant he could find. I tried with a few other humans after that. Always scared them too. And like I said, communicating with humans took effort. Different amounts for different people, but always at least some effort, which would tire me. I also had to learn your language. Unlike horses, you humans think in words.

“Wait a minute,” Rudiger said. “When we weren’t alone, I was talking in Ninifin, and you understood me. And them.”

Yeah, I spent the last few months learning it, just like you.

“Oh right. Makes sense.”

Anyway, eventually, I stopped trying to communicate with humans. Until you came along. I could tell there was something different about you. Not in your scent or appearance, just a feeling. So I tried and it took no effort at all. It was like talking to other horses. You were also the first human not terrified by what I’d done. So I decided to stick around. And that’s about it.

“I see. Thanks, buddy.”

You’re welcome.

Rudiger finished brushing Borisin in silence, then put the brush aside and picked up a hoof pick. “Front left.” Borisin raised the hoof and Rudiger began cleaning it. “What about Zandrue, Jorvan, and Meleng? Ever think about talking to them?”

They’d take effort. Not worth it.

“How about Felitïa?”

Borisin’s muscles tensed. I considered it.

“What happened?”

I realised she was...different after first meeting her. I could tell she had an ability like mine, only she was far more powerful. Except...

“Except what?”

Don’t know. Can’t explain it. There’s something...something around her mind. Encompassing it, like a ball. It’s a wonder she can use her abilities at all. I tried contacting her once. Couldn’t get through. It wasn’t pleasant. I’m not doing that again.

“I never had any clue,” Rudiger said. “About any of this.”

I’ve never been one to talk about myself; you’ve never been one to ask. It worked well for me.

“Changing circumstances. Before, I always assumed I was a bigger part of whatever was happening. I never really considered that the ability was yours and not mine. Bit egotistical of me, I suppose. Front right.” He let go of Borisin’s front left hoof and moved around to the other side. “But now that I’ve been stuck here with nothing else to do for a few months, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thanks for filling me in.”

Don’t worry. We’ll figure out a way to get me away from the Queen. You and I have been through too much to be separated permanently.

Rudiger nodded. “You got that right, buddy. Fra-Tepeu thinks he has a solution. Hopefully, it’ll be a good one. How about tomorrow I take you down to the river and give you a proper wash?”

Sounds good. Now, why don’t you tell me what you’ve been up to? And where’s the Isyar?

Rudiger continued to work on Borisin’s hooves while he informed Borisin what had happened since they’d last seen each other.

* * * * *

It was late afternoon by the time Rudiger made it back to the house. As he reached for the door handle, he realised he hadn’t had a chance to even glance at that book Fra-Mecatl had given him. Maybe Fra-Tepeu’s idea would make it unnecessary. He doubted it, but he could hope.

Inside, he found Fra-Mecatl and Fra-Tepeu seated in the common room. Eleuia—no, he was going to get this right—Ses-Izel was leaning in the corner of the room, arms crossed over her chest. She looked in his direction as he entered. She was already frowning, so at least his arrival didn’t cause it. Two others of her group also stood in the room. Rudiger might have heard their names months ago, but he couldn’t remember them now.

Ses-Izel might have been frowning, but Fra-Tepeu wasn’t, and his smile got wider as Rudiger entered. But it was Fra-Mecatl’s smile that surprised Rudiger. “Rudiger, we’ve been waiting for you.”

“My apologies, Reverence,” Rudiger said. “There were a lot of horses to clean.”

She waved her hand. “It’s no matter. It seems that my brother has finally proven himself useful and figured out what to do with you.”

“He did mention he had an idea to help me.”

Fra-Tepeu rose from his seat and leaned on his cane. “Ses-Izel has been gracious enough to stay an extra day.”

Rudiger glanced at Ses-Izel, who made no motion or acknowledgement.

“You said so I can better prepare Borisin,” Rudiger said. “My horse.”

Fra-Tepeu nodded. “Yes, and then go with Ses-Izel to present him to the Queen.”

“You want me to go along?”

“Oh yes, and more,” the old man eagerly continued. “I will prepare a letter for you outlining something along the following. After seeing the magnificent horse that Lord Elaster was gifting to her Holiness, I realised the mistake he had unwittingly made. He did not send someone to tend to the animal. The Queen, or more specifically her advisors and attendants, will love the idea of a Folith screwing up. Anyway, they all know of the many prized horses I have raised and tended throughout my life. I will explain in the letter that I am too old now to commit to tending the horse myself, but that I am sending her Holiness my most favoured apprentice, who just happens to also be a Folith and so is well-versed in Folith animals.” He walked over to Rudiger. “I’ll be sorry to lose you, Rudiger. The last few years, I’ve been unable to tend my horses properly, and you have been a gods-send. But you are far more valuable to us on the inside.”

“If this works,” Fra-Mecatl said, “it could put you close to the Queen’s court, even closer than I hoped to get with Zandrue. Once we have you on the inside, we can start making long-term plans.”

“So I’m going to be a spy?”

“Exactly,” Fra-Tepeu said.

Rudiger wasn’t sure he liked that idea. It certainly wasn’t something he felt he would be good at. It was much more Zandrue’s field—which, of course, was the original plan.

“Tomorrow, we begin new lessons,” Fra-Mecatl said. “There’s a lot you need to learn and we only have the one day, so unfortunately, we’ll need to...skim most of it.” She shuddered. “We start at dawn and go straight through till dusk.”

“But I need to work on Borisin tomorrow,” Rudiger said.

Fra-Mecatl’s eyes narrowed and she leaned forward, about to say something.

“He’s right, Mecatl,” Fra-Tepeu said. “If that horse doesn’t look in top shape upon arrival, it will work against the praise I’m giving him.”

Fra-Mecatl stared at the floor a moment before responding. “Very well. From dawn to noon. Then you tend your horse. Any time left over will be spent on more learning.” She stood up. “Now, I’m going to go meditate on how I’m going to teach you everything you need to know in just half a day. When it’s ready, leave my dinner just inside my door. Otherwise, no interruptions.” She headed to her room. Just before disappearing inside, she called back, “And don’t forget to read the book!”

“Wait, I’m still—” Rudiger began, but she closed her door. On top of everything else, he was still supposed to read that book?

“Looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you,” Ses-Izel said. “I don’t envy you. Fra-Tepeu, if you or Fra-Mecatl need me or any of my people, we’ll be at our camp outside.” She motioned to the other two with her, and they left the house.

Fra-Tepeu hobbled over to him. “Rudiger, fetch some squash from the cellar, will you? Bring it to me in the kitchen building. I need to start dinner.”

“Of course, Fra-Tepeu,” Rudiger said. He hesitated a moment. Sometimes, it was important to take a risk, he reminded himself. “Could I ask a favour first?”

“I can’t help you with the book,” the old man answered. “That would defeat the purpose.”

“I figured that,” Rudiger said. “I wanted to ask something different.”

Fra-Tepeu nodded. “Very well.”

Rudiger moved beside the old man and leaned in closer so he could talk quietly. There was no one else left in the room, but he didn’t want to risk Fra-Mecatl overhearing from her room. “Could you get a message to three people from the resistance group? Kianto, Acat, and Ses-Patli. Could you tell them I need to speak to them and ask them to meet me at the barn tomorrow night?”

Fra-Tepeu looked up at him, and Rudiger’s heart began to pound as he wondered whether he had ruined everything. Then Fra-Tepeu smiled. “Rudiger, have you been plotting things behind mine and Mecatl’s backs?”

“Not exactly. Not yet.”

“There may be hope for you yet. I’ll get your message out. In the meantime, get me that squash. Mecatl gets cranky if her dinner’s late.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And read the book.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And don’t ask Ses-Izel for help either.”

“I wasn’t planning to.” He hadn’t even thought of that. He doubted she would be willing, anyway, given how little she seemed to like him. Maybe Jorvan could help. How well did Jorvan speak Ninifin anyway? Could Jorvan read it too? He needed to talk to Jorvan anyway. Right after he got the squash for Fra-Tepeu. And there were other things he should talk to Ses-Izel about as well—if she was willing.

* * * * *

It was raining outside. Rudiger could hear the drops hitting the roof and walls of the barn. Inside, it was stuffy, even more so than usual. Eleven horses all together could do that.

He rubbed the sore part of his right hand. Fra-Mecatl had hit it numerous times that morning as he had tried to remember all the names and rules she was trying to teach him. Surprisingly, however, she had done nothing in response to his lack of progress on the book. He told her first thing that he had tried to read it, but he simply couldn’t. While he could speak the language now, he had not learnt to read it. Her response was just to launch into the day’s lessons.

He now had a large list of names of people he should listen for news on or even watch if he had the opportunity. There were so many people to remember, he wasn’t sure how to keep them all straight. At least he had a written list, complete with descriptions. It was even written in Arnorgue.

“Only because there is no other choice,” Fra-Mecatl had said when giving it to him. “There is simply not enough time otherwise. Once you’ve memorised it, destroy it. You could probably explain it if caught with it, but better safe than sorry.”

He’d made a point of packing the list right away so he wouldn’t leave it behind.

The barn door opened and a short figure entered. In the dim light, Rudiger thought at first that it must be Acat, but the individual was slenderer than Acat. The figure came forward into the light of his lantern. It was Ses-Izel.

“Believe it or not,” she said, “I’m actually glad to see you, too.”

“You are?” Rudiger said. “I never said anything about it.”

“I’m not talking to you.” She walked past him to Borisin’s stall. She patted the stallion’s head.

Right, Rudiger thought. Now he understood how other people must feel whenever he talked to Borisin. He would have to make more effort to remember to use silent conversation in the future.

Told you she liked me, Borisin said.

“I didn’t think you were coming,” Rudiger said to her.

She had been furious when he’d asked her to come out and had told her why. She’d screamed at him for several minutes. “This is not your fight, Rudiger. You do not get to start making plans for us! Just stick to what Fra-Mecatl and Fra-Tepeu tell you to do, and no more.”

“I know that,” he said. “But I’ve been dragged into this. They asked me to get involved. I’m just trying to find someone, and I’ve no idea if all this revolution stuff is helping or hindering me.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re in way over your head, and you are not taking me down with you.”

He had tried for a little longer to convince her, but had just made her angrier. So he was very surprised to see her here now.

“Fra-Tepeu asked me to come,” Ses-Izel said, not taking her eyes off Borisin. “I respect him a great deal, so I came. Don’t expect me to leap on board whatever you’re planning.”

“All I was hoping you’d do is listen,” Rudiger said.

“Yeah, sure, listen,” she said, finally turning away from Borisin.

They stood in silence for a few minutes, while they waited for the others to arrive. Rudiger wasn’t sure if he should say something. Just casual talk to pass the time. Or would she scream at him?

She was the one who broke the silence. “So, what have you been doing with the Isyar? I assume you must be hiding him somewhere.”

“He spends almost all his time in the cellar,” Rudiger said. “But right now, he’s at the back, praying or meditating or something.”

“He’s here?” She began to look around.

“I’ve asked him to stay in the dark until I’m ready.”

“You’re going to reveal him to them? Gods, you’re stupider than I thought.”

“I’m going to find out their attitudes towards Isyar first. I’m not quite that stupid. I’ve learnt a little bit about what goes on in Ninifin. I know Fra-Mecatl teaches it’s only one Isyar that’s evil, not the lot of them. If they agree with her teachings, hopefully they’ll be okay with learning about him. He could be a resource to them, and if Borisin and I are going to get away from the Palace eventually, we’ll need him.”

“You’re taking a hell of a risk.”

“Need to. Otherwise, nothing’s ever going to get done.”

“I ought to just walk out of here right now.”

“That’s your choice, but I could use your help.”

She stepped up to him. “See, there’s the problem Rudiger. You need my help? Again, this isn’t your fight.”

“I meant we need your help. The resistance, everyone. They admire and trust you.”

“That’s it. I’m out of here. I gave you a chance, and that’s all Fra-Tepeu can expect.” She turned for the exit, but the door was opening. “Shit.”

“Eleuia! Is that you?” It was Ses-Patli. She leaned the spear she was carrying against the wall, and rushed forward to greet Ses-Izel. “Thank Ninussa! We didn’t expect you back for some time yet. No wonder Rudiger wanted to see us.”

“Good to see you again, Ses-Patli,” Ses-Izel said. Her stance relaxed a bit, but Rudiger couldn’t decide if that was because she was genuinely happy to see the other Ninifin or if she was just putting on a good act.

Once Acat and Kianto arrived a few minutes later, Rudiger filled all three in on the situation with Borisin. “There’s still a chance the Queen might turn me away,” he finished.

“A pretty good chance, I’d say,” Ses-Izel interrupted.

“Okay, a pretty good chance, but assuming she doesn’t, then...well...I figured you’d all want to know about this.”

“This could be a great opportunity,” Ses-Patli said.

“And an incredibly risky one,” Ses-Izel said. “Rudiger should stick to gathering information and that’s it. We don’t have the resources to plan anything more extravagant than that.”

“But surely now is the time to start building towards that,” Acat said.

Ses-Izel shook her head. “Eventually, maybe. In a few years. But not now. We’ve always known this operation would take years. In the meantime, I’ll continue—”

“But it’s already taken years,” Kianto said, “and in that time, Fra-Ichtaca has just strengthened her position.”

“Have you heard about the Youth Guard?” Acat said.

The talk went back and forth for some time after that. Rudiger decided to add as few comments as possible, except when directly asked. These four knew far more about the political situation and the strengths of the Resistance than he did. He just listened and tried to put as much to memory as he could, since he was going to need a lot of it.

Ses-Izel continued to push for caution and patience, and Ses-Patli was quickly convinced. Acat and Kianto, however, continued to push for being more proactive and to make preparations to extract Rudiger should it become necessary. Ses-Izel agreed to the latter, saying that she and her people would take care of that, and the rest of the Resistance should stay out of it.

“However, Rudiger, if we have to extract you through any sort of covert means, I can make no guarantees about Borisin. To be honest, I can’t even make any guarantees about you, but Borisin will be virtually impossible.”

“Oh hell,” Rudiger said, but bit his lip to stop himself saying anything more. He didn’t need another argument with her right now, especially what would be practically the exact same argument he’d had with her the very first time they’d met. And like that time, he understood her reasons as much as he hated them.

“Is the horse really that important?” Ses-Patli asked.

“Yes,” Rudiger said, and to his surprise, Ses-Izel said the same thing at the same time.

Ses-Patli walked over to Borisin’s stall and Borisin pulled his head back. “I know the horse is what is getting you in there in the first place, but what other value does it have?”

Borisin snorted and shuffled his feet. Value? What am I, a commodity? See, this is why I don’t like most people.

“A lot,” Rudiger said.

“He’s a magnificent horse, Rudiger,” Kianto said, “and I understand you must have a great deal of attachment to him, but—”

“He’s not a typical horse,” Ses-Izel interrupted. “He’s intelligent, he can understand every word you’re saying, and he can talk.”

Acat laughed, but stopped when he saw Ses-Izel staring at him, arms crossed. “You’re serious?”

“Very. Which is why I regret that getting Borisin out in a crisis will be almost impossible, but it’s the truth.”

“A horse like that would be a shame to lose,” Kianto said, “but Eleuia’s right, Rudiger. There may be no other choice.”

“I understand that,” Rudiger said, “but what if I have another resource I can offer you?”

“What sort of resource?” Kianto asked.

Ses-Izel stiffened and looked at Rudiger. She shook her head and mouthed the word, “No.”

“Before I say,” Rudiger said, “can I ask you a question? All of you?”

Kianto put an arm around Acat’s shoulders and they both nodded. “Of course,” Acat said.

Ses-Patli came back over from Borisin’s stall. “Go ahead.”

“Fra-Mecatl. Do you agree with her teachings?”

“Of course,” Acat said. “I think she’s overly cautious, but she’s a wise woman.”

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe what she has to say,” Ses-Patli said.

“Good,” Rudiger said. “Because what I’m about to show you may be a little shocking at first, and your first instinct may be one of fear or hatred.”

“What are you going on about?” Ses-Patli said.

“I’m going to introduce you to someone. Zandrue and I aren’t the only outsiders staying with Fra-Mecatl and Fra-Tepeu. There’s a third, and he’s here with their full knowledge and blessing. It’s important that you know that.”

“Do you know what he’s talking about, Eleuia?” Ses-Patli asked.

Ses-Izel lowered her head. “Yes, I do. I advised him not to do this, but since he’s ignoring my advice, I should just tell you that you have nothing to fear from this person. He is ill and weak in this environment, so I question how much of a resource he’ll be to you, but... Fuck it, you should just meet him. Jorvanultumn, come forward.”

Ses-Patli stumbled back as the silhouette of Jorvan’s wings became visible in the dim light, and she ran to grab her spear. Acat whimpered and clutched at Kianto.

You humans are so weird, Borisin said.