Neven tilted his head slightly back, observing Sol. “You have given me a new life. I cannot return to my family in Istroya. At least allow me to help you defeat Gareth.”
Sol returned the man’s gaze, thinking through his next words. He had no desire to risk another’s life, nor would he let another in who might be a risk to his goal. “I must travel to Chendas and watch ... the activity of our enemy, among other things. I will alert River’s Talon should I need aid in the final action.” Sol looked down, stuffing his mouth with the remainder of his meal.
“Sol.” Robin’s voice was somber. “Come, let us look at the weaponry we might give to you.”
Sol stood, concern knotting his forehead. He was eager to avoid more questions, but certain that he was about to hear bad news.
“Some things have changed since our last communication,” Robin said, her voice low as she led him away from the fire.
“You were unable to discover the location?” Sol guessed.
Robin shook her head. “My weeks in Chendas were not fruitful, however ...” She held up her hand, stopping Sol from speaking. “Because I discovered our target is not in Chendas.”
“That’s impossible,” Sol responded, his voice calm and quiet despite the consternation he felt. “Every report said the chosen Majis are transported to Chendas.”
“Were.” Robin cut him off. “Were transported to Chendas. Gareth recently moved operations to Falqri, and as far as we know, the receptacles as well.”
“Then we go to Falqri. It should be easier to search a fort than a capital kingdom.”
“It’s not that simple,” Robin sighed. “We’ve been building up our allies in Chendas for years. We have no stable contacts in Falqri yet because it is so remote. Although I might have a full recruit there soon. It’s too soon to risk your identity by alerting him, though.”
“I thought you had a hold in all five of the kingdoms?” Sol said. He’d made it this far, he wasn’t about to give up.
“We had a cypher there.” Robin sighed. “She was ratted out in the aftermath of Aizel’s escape.”
Sol felt his body deflate. Surely it was merely the exhaustion. His plan was fruitless if he could not get inside the fort. “I’m sorry,” he said, not sure if his words were for himself or for the loss of Robin’s comrade.
“It not only affects access to the fort, but it deters entry into Falqri as well.”
“Aizel?” Sol’s head shot back up as Robin’s earlier words finally registered in his mind. “You know Aizel? She’s alive? And she’s here?” He looked around, half expecting his childhood friend to walk out of the hut they were whispering in front of.
Robin nodded. “Not here, here.” She pointed to the ground at her feet. “But here in Iseldis, at the palace.” She pointed behind her, toward the forest.
“And what of Celesta?” Sol asked, feeling relief and concern at the same time. “They came for her soon after Aizel disappeared.”
“Celesta is alive and well. She spent a nasty few weeks in Gareth’s dungeon—”
Sol clenched his fists, anger rushing from his head to his tensed feet.
Robin immediately placed a calming hand on his arm. “But she’s recovering now, and happy. I saw her with my own eyes. She’s resilient.”
“She’s a child. She shouldn’t have toberesilient.” Sol’s voice was uncharacteristically Sol was not placated. “Surely Iseldis is treating them no better? Can we not find a way to release them? Would that give us time to find a new cypher in Falqri?”
“That’s not all, about Falqri,” Robin responded slowly. She stepped inside the hut, holding the door open.
Appreciating the additional privacy, Sol followed her inside.
“The northern border is surrounded by steep cliffs,” Robin continued. “And the only passes through are guarded by Gareth’s men. It would be certain death to cross over the cliffs and desert in the heat of greenreign. The faster way to the fort is by sea. Which brings us back to Iseldis.”
Sol crossed his arms. “Aizel and Celesta.” His voice was close to breaking. He thought he’d mastered the art of not getting too close to someone. Then Aizel and Celesta had been taken. They were as dear to him as his own younger sisters and brothers.
“Sol, they’re safe,” Robin said. “Safe and well. They are guests at the palace, not prisoners.”
Sol felt relief, but his body was no less tense. “We can access Falqri by sea, then.” Sol directed the conversation back to something less personal.
“Yes,” Robin responded, her voice crisp and high. “If we can get you on a ship sailing from Iseldis, which is possible but will take some preparation.”
Sol nodded. He would do whatever was necessary to get to his destination, and he trusted Robin to know the ideal means of doing so. His mind was having trouble grasping the particulars of the new plan so quickly, so he distracted himself for a moment by glancing at the multiple longbows which lined the wall of the humble cabin.
