Tense silence hung over the small clearing where they'd camped. Faina didn't know what to say. She couldn't frame events in any way that gave her a stable future.
Feeling hollow inside, she returned to Kadin. He was looking down at the ground, apparently lost in thought—a look Faina had seen all too often. She wished that she could break through Kadin's barriers, wished she could free the good young man beneath his bitterness and guilt. But, once again, she knew that was a task she could never accomplish.
Despite their success in stopping Halarik's return, she felt powerless, like she'd felt back on the plantation. She still had nightmares about her time with Andric. Sometimes, she thought he'd burst out of the trees and try to bed her again.
She'd tried to move past it, tried to show the rest of the world a strong mask, but she still felt violated, as if she'd never recover the spirit she'd had before living on the plantation.
But there was no point dwelling on the past. She couldn't change it.
Footsteps and voices sounded in the distance, startling her out of thought. She and Kadin both peered through the trees. The people, approaching from far away, were not immediately recognizable. Faina's heart climbed into her throat. Only two people were returning. Either these weren't the other members of their group or something had gone horribly wrong.
A few moments later, Deril and the Sunlord joined them, peering through the trees as well. Soon Faina could make out the people approaching. For a moment, her chest felt lighter, but only for a moment.
Deril rushed forward to meet Talin and Kae. "Where are Rella and Davin?"
"We don't know," Talin said. "They didn't meet us where they were supposed to."
"Are you sure they weren't just late?" Deril asked, but Faina could tell he was only trying to get his hopes up. Rella and Davin seemed too reliable to miss a meeting time unless something had gone wrong. But what could have happened to them? Had they been captured? Killed?
No. She couldn't let her mind go to such dark places.
"We waited for them," Kae said, "but we could only stay there so long before people got suspicious." She shook her head. "I don't know what to do."
"We have to find them," Deril said. "That's obvious."
The Sunlord put a hand on Deril's shoulder. "You can't go. You need to stay here with us, where you can protect us. It's time for Kadin to join me in performing the Sunlord's weave. You know we're vulnerable while fueling the sun."
"But they need our help," Deril said.
"Talin and Kae are capable of handling this themselves, my son."
Deril looked like he was about to respond, but then he closed his mouth and gave his father a quick nod. He trudged a few steps through the snow, then sagged against an evergreen tree. Faina could understand how he felt. For so long, he'd been leading this mission, but he was too recognizable as Karik's twin brother. He couldn't risk himself.
"I would like to join this mission," Faina said, surprising herself with her confidence.
Kadin frowned at her. "But don't you want to stay here, where it's safe?"
"I'll be careful," Faina said, but she had the feeling that was a false promise. In truth, she had little regard for her life these days. Only the mission to save the Sunlord and prevent Halarik's return had kept her from feeling worthless, as she had most of her life. Now that the mission was over, she needed something new. Maybe this was it.
"I don't want to worry about you," Kadin said.
Faina gave him a sharp look, perhaps a little too sharp. "I'll be all right, Kadin. Don't worry about me. You know I can take care of myself."
Kadin shook his head, but he didn't say anything else. Faina turned away from him, looking toward Talin and Kae and praying they'd let her come along. She had no idea what she was getting into, but she didn't care. She had to do something, had to feel useful.
"You may come," Talin said. "What weaves can you do?"
"Most of them. I can't do Yellow/Green weaves, but I can do all the others, and I can manage every type of casting." She stepped toward them. "I'm almost a Firelord like you."
"She's better than me," Kae said. "If she wants to come, she can come."
Talin chewed on his lower lip. "What experience do you have?"
"I've told you before. I used to serve a crime lord in Illindel. I frequently used my Fireweaving in the job, and I know how to remain concealed. I can do this."
"All right," Talin said. He started walking and motioned for her to follow. She trailed after him, amazed that he'd agreed so easily. He'd always seemed a stern man. For the most part, he'd kept himself apart from the others, and especially from Rella. He could barely look at her without grimacing and turning his head away.
Faina knew the story. Talin had been forced to torture her, and however stern he appeared, he was a good enough man beneath that to feel remorse for his actions. He wouldn't reveal those feelings, of course, but she knew they were there.
Just as she knew how much Kadin regretted killing the man he'd thought was his father.
The three of them set out, walking down the tree-lined hill, and soon they reached the edge of the city. A few people walked here, sticking close to the warmth of Sunlamps.
Faina kept her voice low. "How are we going to find them?"
"I know some people in the Fire Guard here," Talin said. "People who are loyal to our cause." He shook his head. "Or at least I hope they're loyal."
That didn't give Faina much hope, but she kept her thoughts to herself as Talin led them deeper into the city. Eventually, they reached the guardhouse, a large stone building in the center of town. It looked clean and well-kept.
Two sentries stood at the door, watching the party approach with narrowed eyes.
"I think I should handle this," Talin said. "Wait here." He strode to the door with a calm but confident gait, then spoke to the guards in a low voice. Faina's stomach churned as she watched this exchange. Then Talin turned and beckoned them toward him.
Faina said nothing as they passed the guards, earning curious glances. Inside, the corridors were surprisingly warm and welcoming, featuring dozens and dozens of Sunlamps. There were even carpets much like those in Atarin's palace.
One of the sentries, a beardless young man who looked close to Faina's age, followed them inside, then strode to the front of the group so he could lead them down the hall. No one spoke, and Faina's chest felt tight.
At last, they reached a door on the right side of the corridor. The sentry knocked and waited a few moments before a voice said, "Come in."
"This man is here to see you, Captain," said the sentry, looking uncomfortable.
The captain spoke in a tired voice. "Well, who is it?"
"He didn't say, sir, but he knows your password."
"All right, show him in."
"There are two women with him," said the sentry. "Should they enter as well?"
The captain sounded impatient now. "Yes, send them all in."
The sentry nodded, then gestured for the entire party to enter the room. They stepped through the stone archway and into a large chamber with a polished wooden desk and Sunlamps in all four corners. Chairs were spread about the room, and they each took one.
The captain was a middle-aged man with dark hair and a neatly groomed beard. He watched them with narrowed eyes, then turned to the sentry. "You may go."
The sentry closed the door, and the captain performed a Yellow/Blue weave that would keep their conversation from escaping the room.
"You took a huge risk in coming here, Talin," said the captain. "I've always been skeptical of Atarin's plans regarding Halarik, but how did you know you could trust me? For that matter, how can you be sure we aren't looking for you? You did turn traitor after all."
Talin leaned forward in his wooden chair. "Well, if you are looking for me, you must have the worst sentries in all the Frozen Lands."
"They're young, but they're not that bad. In truth, I don't think Atarin knows you betrayed him, or that you'
re even alive yet. From the moment I heard what happened, I knew you had to be behind it, but I suppose he trusted you. He'd never expect you to turn against him."
Talin ran a hand through his graying beard. "I don't know. He must have crossed paths with me while escaping from Halarik's fury, but perhaps he didn't see me. It was dark in the stairwell, and those moments were chaotic." He paused a moment, looking deep in thought. "This might work out very well for us. I thought I was a fugitive. Now I know I have a better chance of operating in secret, as I always have."
The captain smiled. "Are you sure you should reveal all your plans to me?"
"I trust you. You've always been a loyal friend."
The captain leaned on his desk, looking suddenly older. "I'll probably regret helping you, but it's the right thing. Damn you, Talin. You always make my life complicated." He let out a long sigh. "All right, what do you want to know?"
"Two members of our party are missing," Talin said. "Did your people arrest them? One of them is Atarin's niece. She has his red hair."
"Then we did arrest her, at least," said the captain. "Some of my people took her to Atarin's local hideout." He shuffled through some papers on his desk. "Look. I can give you the location of the place, but you have to know this: if you get caught, I can't do anything to protect you. I have my own life to worry about, and it doesn't matter how good a friend you are."
Talin's expression was grave. "Don't worry. I understand."
The captain handed him a small slip of paper. "Here's the location. I can tell you that the place is heavily protected. Getting in there will not be easy."
"Couldn't you enter without any problems?" Kae asked, turning to Talin. "You are one of Atarin's most trusted allies after all."
"I can't be certain of that, but it might be our best plan."
Faina turned to Kae and Talin, who both sat to her left. "I don't think it will work. If Atarin is anything like the crime lords I knew back in Tarileth, he's highly paranoid. He might not suspect you enough to send the Fire Guard after you, but that's probably because he thinks you're dead. If you show up at his hideout, there are going to be questions. He's going to watch you carefully. You won't be able to break them out."
And that's if they're even still alive, she added silently.
"The young woman speaks a lot of sense," said the captain, "and I'm sure you know it, Talin. You have intimate knowledge of the man. Better knowledge than I have myself."
Talin stroked his chin, deep in thought again. After a few long moments, he said, "You're right, Faina. But I don't see what other plan we have."
"Is there some way Faina and I can get inside?" Kae asked. "Surely these Firelords are used to the entertainment of a certain kind of woman."
"They are," Talin said. "But, Kae, I don't think you're young or beautiful enough to attract their interest." At her sharp look, he added, "Not that I think you're unattractive."
Kae laughed. "Don't worry. I took no offense. I’m only giving you trouble."
"I can do it," Faina said. She felt sick at the thought of using her body after what she'd experienced on the plantation, but these people were her friends. She had to help them no matter the cost. Perhaps she'd even find a way to avoid having sex with any of the Fire Guards.
"It might work," said the captain. "It's a better plan, at least."
Talin put a hand on her shoulder. "You sure you want to do this?"
His touch made her feel uncomfortable. In truth, she felt uncomfortable being touched by any man other than Kadin. She'd never told Talin about her time on the plantation, so he obviously didn't know his touch would bother her.
"I'm sure," she said, though she felt anything but certain.
Talin rose from his chair. "Then we have a plan."
Chapter 5: Infiltration
Faina was beginning to regret her decision.
The Fire Guard captain had given them the location of a local inn where women frequently offered themselves to men. He knew that some of the Firelords with Atarin liked to find their pleasures at this inn. He'd dealt with a few minor transgressions there.
Faina sat in a corner of the inn, alone. Kae and Talin were also there, but they'd given Faina space. It was better if she looked like she was by herself.
The waiting had grown boring. Faina kept glancing toward the door, looking for men in fine clothing. She sipped at some ale, but it tasted horrible, which was probably a good thing. She needed to keep her senses about her. Then again, if she got drunk, maybe she could handle the fear.
No. She had to do this, and do it right. These were her friends. They'd accepted her, and she hadn't felt acceptance like that in a long time.
At last, she spotted a well-dressed man. She had no idea if he was a Firelord, but she had to approach him. Her chest felt tight as she crossed the room. She felt the eyes of other women on her. Were they interested in this man as well?
She met the man halfway across the dark inn.
"Get out of my way," he said. He certainly sounded like a Firelord.
"Are you sure you want me to move?" Faina asked, trying to put on her most seductive voice. She'd used it during her time in the criminal underworld. But that was a time she wanted to leave behind her forever.
Well, you can't always get what you want, she told herself.
"I'm not here for pleasure, you whore," the man said.
"Of course," Faina said, before she could catch herself. Her face grew warm, and she shuffled away from the man, feeling as if every eye were watching her, as if they were judging her for her failure. Looking straight ahead, she made her way back to her stone chair.
She didn't want to see how Kae and Talin had reacted.
Focus on the task, she told herself as she returned her attention to the door. More men entered, but none were dressed well enough to be Firelords. At times, she got up and walked around the inn, hoping she could catch a few bits of conversation.
Nothing she heard was helpful at all. Was this mission doomed to failure already? Maybe none of the Firelords would want the company of a woman. And even if they did, what were the chances that they'd let her into their headquarters?
Then, of course, Faina had been one of their prisoners. Surely a few of them would remember her. Atarin would at the very least. This had been a foolish plan from the beginning.
Struggling to control her emotions, she made her way to Kae and Talin, who sat at the bar with a couple of drinks they'd hardly touched.
"What's wrong?" Kae asked.
"This won't work," Faina said. "We can't get inside like this."
Talin's expression was stern. "You have any better ideas?"
"No, but there has to be something. Anything but this." She felt a sudden rush of tears. Her legs trembled, and she leaned against the stone bar. "Please, don't make me do this."
Kae put a hand on her shoulder. "It's all right. We can find another way."
"What other way?" Talin demanded, narrowing his eyes.
Kae glared at him. "Can't you see that she's suffering? She can't do this."
"All right. I understand. But we still need another plan." He turned his attention to Faina and softened his tone, as if he'd finally realized what he'd been asking her to do. "I'm sorry. I can tell this must be tough for you. Did something happen in your past?"
A tear trickled down her cheek. "I don't want to talk about it."
"All right," Talin said, but she could see the disappointment in his eyes. "Let's find a more secluded corner of this place. We need to devise another plan."
They retreated to a corner of the inn and huddled close together around a cracked and dirty table. The ambient noise would surely drown out their conversation. In a place like this, most people ignored one another, but Faina still felt as if everyone were watching them.
"I don't see what other choice we have," Talin said. "Faina, are you sure you can't go through with this."
Faina took a deep breath. "It's not just that. It wouldn't work anyways. At
arin would recognize me, and I doubt they'd let anyone enter their hideout."
"I hadn't considered that," Talin said. "My mistake."
Faina gave him her harshest look. "Is that all you have to say?"
"What am I supposed to say? That I'm sorry to have put you in this position? I'm not. That I have another plan? I don't." He shook his head. "I guess I was desperate. I did horrible things to Rella. I have to atone for that. I can't abandon her."
Faina massaged her temples, trying to think of a plan. She drew on her experience as a young criminal in Illindel. There had to be something there she could use.
"I think I have an idea," she said. "But it's a bit insane."
Talin nodded. "I'm listening."
"Well, I did a lot of sneaking around back during my time in the criminal underworld. I know how to keep from getting spotted. I can go to this place and see if I can figure out a way inside. I know it's risky, but we don't have a better plan."
"I've heard worse plans," Kae said.
"That's not exactly reassuring," Faina said.
Talin looked weary. "But it's our best chance. It'll have to do."
They left the inn. Out in the streets, they remained close to the city's Sunlamps, where it wasn't as frigid. Talin led them toward the building where Atarin had taken refuge.
The building was large and located in a questionable part of town, where the snow was deep and there were few Sunlamps. Was this truly where Atarin had gone?
Two Fire Guards stood at the building's main entrance. They were looking the other way and hadn't noticed Faina's party. She, Talin, and Kae hid around a corner, in a narrow alley. A bitter wind whooshed through the alley.
"You think those are the only Fire Guards?" Faina whispered.
Talin shook his head.
"Then I have to take a chance here."
Kae put a hand on Faina's shoulder. "Be careful."
"I'll try."
"And please see if my sister's with them," Kae said.
Faina nodded. She didn't like the idea of rescuing three people. Freeing Davin and Rella would be hard enough, and Faina had no idea if Andra would be here, or if she was even alive. But Faina had to look for Andra because Kae was a friend.
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