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“The Commander.” The guard gave Reven a stricken look, but Reven didn't even glance at him. He threw both weapons to the ground with a roar and grabbed Luc up in a hug.

“I knew they couldn't keep you for long. I knew it!”

More calls came out of the darkness, and Luc was soon surrounded by men and women, exclaiming and whooping.

He had to grab his spooked horse before it bolted, and they walked down the hill together.

Much later, he sat in the big meeting tent with Reven, Massi and Dak, wine cup in hand, and thought of Ava.

Of whether she had had as warm a welcome as he had.

“So, now we're alone, let's hear the details.” Massi leaned forward and poured more wine into her cup, then leaned back to watch him with eyes that gleamed in the firelight.

“First, who was it that told the watch guards to strike first, ask questions later?”

There was a beat of silence.

“What do you mean?” Dak frowned.

“I mean I was almost killed by one of my own army while walking into camp. I expected to have to announce myself, but if I hadn't heard the snick as they drew their sword, you'd be weeping over my body, not drinking to my health.”

Reven cleared his throat. “I heard a horse. Sent the watch guard ahead to stop whoever was coming our way. I never thought—”

Massi turned to stare at him, and so did Dak. “You told him to kill?”

“I didn't think I did, but he must have thought that's what I meant.”

“Someone is coming to join me when she’s completed her own business. I don't want her cut down as she walks in. If someone even touches her, the consequences won't be pretty.”

“No one should be cut down. It's better to have someone to question than a body, anyway.” Massi was still looking at Reven.

“What?” He glared at her. “I made a mistake.”

“There are no room for mistakes any more, Rev.” Dak crossed his arms. “What would have happened to us if your guard had killed Luc?”

“I'll speak to the watch tomorrow.” Reven ducked his head.

“I'll speak to everyone tomorrow,” Luc corrected. “There is going to be no doubt in anyone's mind how things stand.”

Rev looked up, a flash of fury in his eyes, before he shook his head and gripped his cup. “That's a good idea, anyway. They'll want to hear how you got away.”

“The friend who'll be joining me is how. She helped me escape, not once, but twice.”

“A Kassian?” Massi asked, her eyes narrowed.

“A Grimwaldian. A fellow prisoner in the dungeon. I very conveniently arrived just as she was about to escape herself. Fortunately, she consented to including me in her plan.”

“Where is she now?” Dak leaned forward, elbows on knees.

“She had business in Grimwalt.”

“But she's coming to join you later?” Massi raised a brow.

“Yes.”

“Because . . .?” Reven slowly took a sip of wine.

Luc threw back the last dregs from his cup. “Because—”