Page 105 of Given to the Black King

“We choose the ground,” I say. “Again.”

The old blood hears the word.

His gaze drops to the marks he left.

“This is not a hunt.”

“No. This time I want the signed order, the courier route, and living witnesses who can connect the sergeant to Osk’s seal. Names without proof will not break the coast houses.”

Vess pushes off the wall. “I can place two on the upper walk and four behind the potting wall. Ghenn can cover the inner door. The sergeant will see none of them.”

Torgan looks at her.

“You planned this.”

“I considered possibilities.”

“You planned it.”

“Yes.”

He turns back to me.

“No.”

I know that voice. The discussion is over in his mind.

It is not over in mine.

“Then give me a better way to expose the men he bought before they open a gate during the battle.”

Silence.

The pass wind presses against the gallery windows.

Torgan looks at Vess.

“How many?”

“Three confirmed. Perhaps five.”

“Archers?”

“Two.”

He looks at me again.

“You wear mail beneath the gown.”

“Yes.”

“Knife at the wrist. Whistle at the throat.”

“Yes.”

“You do exactly what Vess tells you.”

Vess smiles.