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“Yes. We might have just met but you and I are kindred spirits. Both championing for change. Both strong-willed women, unafraid to wield power. But for good, not evil, like Benoit and his cronies.”

“You make him sound like a villain in a children’s tale.”

“Because he is a villain of the worst kind, and we shall be the heroes that vanquish him,” Josslyn hotly declared.

Avera wanted to scoff. How could she, an old rook, and his vivacious sister prevail?

The answer was quite simply because they had no other choice.

They continued riding, faster than they would normally travel, with Gustav constantly watching over his shoulder. As they neared the edge of the woods and the town beyond it, he slowed their pace.

“I’m going ahead to see if we have anything to worry about,” he stated.

“In other words, going to sacrifice yourself,” was Josslyn’s tart reply.

“We don’t know if Benoit laid a second trap in case the first failed,” he pointed out.

“Why not bypass the town entirely?” While Avera would dearly love a warm meal and a soft bed, she didn’t want Gustav in danger, either.

“Because we need more than just the clothes on our back. We have no food, nothing warm for when night falls and things get chilly.”

“There are berries and I’m sure you know how to snare a rabbit we can spit over a fire which will keep us toasty.” Josslyn had a ready solution.

“Or I could see if my friend will accommodate us quietly and outfit us before we set out in the morning.”

“You trust this person?” Avera questioned.

Gustav nodded. “Harry is a good man. We trained together, but rather than take the soldier’s path, he chose to marry and run the family business. He’s in the lumber trade.”

“And when was the last time you saw him?” Josslyn asked.

The inquiry brought a crease to Gustav’s brows. “A few years. Hard to remember. I don’t often have cause to come this way and Harry rarely visits the capital.”

“We will go see this friend together,” Avera stated.

“But—”

She shook her head and cut him off. “I think it’s best if we stay together.”

“Fine.” Gustav’s curt reply was followed with a muttered, “Bossy women.”

He trotted ahead and Josslyn’s mare kept pace by Luna, close enough Avera heard Josslyn murmur, “I know Harry.”

“And?”

“A decent sort, very loyal to the crown.”

“I hear a but,” Avera replied.

“His son is another matter. He got into some trouble a few years back. Your mother sent him packing from the capital for conduct unbecoming.”

The admission arched Avera’s eyebrow. “Meaning he might not be so accommodating to a Voxspira.”

“Meaning he’s the type who’d listen to Benoit.”

“Assuming the two know each other.”

“Could be I worry for nothing, but best forewarned.”