Maevra did not sleep.
By sunrise, Rhydan’s two orders covered half the strategy table.
One authorized reconnaissance near Harrow Vale.
The other ordered interception.
Same unit.
Same route.
Same Alpha seal.
Different instructions.
Six years ago, Maevra would have called the answer obvious.
Rhydan had changed his mind and sent soldiers after Cedren.
Now she knew better than to trust anything that looked convenient.
That did not mean she trusted Rhydan.
“Again,” she said.
Taven exhaled.
“We have already compared them four times.”
“Then a fifth should cause no lasting injury.”
Rhydan stood by the window, arms folded.
He had been silent for several minutes.
Maevra disliked that more than arguing.
She pushed the first document toward Taven.
“Read the time.”
“Fourth bell.”
