Ping stared at the map. Then she stared at the burned-out village. Then she stared at the map again.
Ciara whispered, “You can’t be serious.” She watched Ping stare at the images with growing determination and closed her eyes. “Never mind. Let’s make sure we have a damn good plan before we start.”
Ping muttered, “Is this what I have an army for? Really?”
After the meeting broke up, Ciara accosted Gabriel. “I just wanted to make clear, I don’t object to liberating you because I don’t want you to have a better future. I objected because we’re stretched very thin, and the cost of war is always greater than you’re willing to believe before it starts.”
Gabriel nodded. “Forgive me if I think you’re wrong.”
Ciara smiled and looked down at Kingsley. “Might I ask why you brought your nephew al
