Ana shook her head slowly.
“What is it?” asked Saga.
With a sigh, Ana looked up. “It is not Skotha.”
Saga opened her mouth to demand how Ana knew this, but the woman had pulled out a pair of scrolls and two small boxes.
“Packages?” Saga asked, a thrill rushing through her.
“It seems our Maester Alfson means to send goods to the north and west,” said Ana, a touch of enthusiasm back in her voice. “His adherent dropped these off this morning.”
“Truly?” Saga examined the first pair. “It’s addressed to Kommandor Ulfar in Kopa,” she read eagerly.Heart pounding, she sliced through the wax seal and unrolled the parchment. Based on the cramped letters, Maester Alfson had penned it.
Heat hindrium alloy until liquid. Dip quills until tips are coated and allow to set. Dose every half day. Subjects last seen in Svangormr Pass.
Saga turned the parchment over, but there was nothing more to be found. “Hindrium?”
“’Tis a galdur neutralizing metal,” said Ana slowly. “Most often used in manacles and prison cells. But”—she paused—“if they’ve found a way to liquify it…” Her voice trailed off, but Saga understood. A liquid form of the metal might be used on blades and arrows, neutralizing their targets from afar.
Saga swallowed, the words on the parchment blurring together. With the mention of Svangormr Pass, it was clear Alfson intended for the hindrium to be used on Eisa and her companion.
“The other letter,” said Ana, passing the scroll to Saga. “The package is larger, yet lighter.”
“’Tis addressed to Rökksgarde,” said Saga. “Where isthat?”
Ana shrugged.
“Alpine catspaw,” read Saga. “Dry for two weeks, then grind to a fine powder.” She stared at the letter, willing new words to appear. But no matter how many times she blinked, it was still maddeningly sparse.
“We must change the addresses,” said Ana eagerly. “Send the catspaw to the north and the hindrium to the east.”
Saga nodded, a smile creeping across her face as she pulled her supplies out. This would be simple enough; she’d merely change the addresses on the outer scrolls without need to touch the inner message.Saga worked letter-by-letter to replicate Alfson’s cramped style, before resealing with the queen’s wasp sigil. A small smile spread across her lips.
Leaning against the stone wall, Saga eyed Ana. “Might I ask you something personal, Ana?” she asked cautiously. “Why do you do this? Why do you risk yourself like this?”
Ana drew her knees against her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “I dream that no one else’s sister should suffer the same fate as mine.”
An ache grew in Saga’s chest. “Your sister was?—”
“Put to the pillar,” said Ana. She lifted her head, opening her mouth as though she wished to say more. But whatever the thought was, Ana decided against voicing it.
“I’m so sorry, Ana.”
Ana shook her head. “It was long ago. I scarcely remember her. But I’ve never forgotten her.”
“I understand that sentiment well,” said Saga.
A look crossed Ana’s face, lasting for less than a heartbeat. But it was enough. Because in that moment, Ana had revealed something crucial to Saga.
“You were about to contradict me.”
Ana rolled her lips together, as though to keep herself from speaking.
“Youknow,” whispered Saga, realization settling into place.
The mask Ana had wrangled into place fell free. “I know something. Do you know…something?”
Saga’s mind was frantically trying to piece things together. But before she could cobble together words, Ana spoke.
