Elsewhere …
In a forest near Longfen, Jilali sits by a small fire with Riadan’s captain. Her left thigh and buttock is aching again, but she will not allow herself to knead the permanently damaged sinew, not until she is alone. Left at Akkod to moulder through a long and painful recovery has eroded her spirit and her loyalty. I will not be pensioned off with lowly tasks. I will not suffer the s**t pity of men who think I no longer have the balls for soldiering.
The captain breaks a fraught silence. ‘Why?’ he demands, eyes cold and unblinking.
Jilali replies in her husky voice. ‘I was the best. I will retire on my terms, to the holding Riadan has promised me.’
The captain, cold eyes narrowed, warns her, ‘Betray me, as you are betraying Elaaron …’ He slides a stiff finger across his thro
