We followed her through the stable’s main walkway. Cells lined each side, and I glanced at the few prisoners who occupied them. Many of the men had rolled their yellow jumpsuits down to their waists. Sweat glistened on their chests, even though they lay on their cots. A few peered at us through the bars.
Meeting their curious gazes, I wondered if I’d recognize any of them. I had spent twenty-six days in Tohon’s castle; it was possible I had healed one of them or seen them around his vast complex. There were only a couple women, although I really couldn’t be sure because all the prisoners’ hair had been shorn.
Aside from mild interest, no one reacted to our presence. I didn’t see any familiar faces. Dena led us out into a long training ring behind the barn. Soft dirt cushioned our steps as we headed toward the far left corner where sunlight streamed through the half-burned wall that had been part of the back fence of the complex. The training area woods were just a few steps beyond the breach. A group of ash-smeared soldiers yanked scorched boards from the frame, tossing them onto a pile. They moved slowly in the oppressive heat.
“That’s where the prisoners escaped,” Dena said. “They had pulled a couple boards loose and snuck out one at a time until one of my guards noticed. Then they ripped off the boards and bolted. It was during their exercise time, which is why they escaped in the daylight. At night, they’re locked in their cells.”
“Who set the fire?” Ursan asked.
“We don’t know. Once my guards sounded the alarm, one of the prisoners must have set fire to the wall. Not all of them had escaped at that time, and those who did, we’ve recaptured.”
I studied the damage. “I’m surprised the whole fence didn’t burn down.”
“Marisol arrived as soon as she smelled smoke.”
“Marisol?” I asked.
“The High Priestess’s water mage. There’s a lake not far from here, and she quickly extinguished the fire,” Dena said. “Thank the creator she was nearby.”
Marisol’s proximity seemed rather convenient. I shared a glance with Ursan as we headed back to Dena’s office.
“How many POWs can you handle?” I asked her.
“This building can house three hundred, and we have three others ready for another two hundred each. We could probably squeeze in a thousand.” Dena settled behind her desk. “I need another ten workers to give these guys a break.”
“All right,” I said, then thanked Dena for her time.
Ursan stayed by my side as I walked south through Ryne’s small army. The soldiers watched us with the same curious expressions as the POWs. All of Estrid’s forces had been avoiding Ryne’s, as if ordered to stay away. I wondered how they would fight together if both armies kept their distance. At least no one would notice me entering Ryne’s tent and rush to inform Jael.
“Reporting in to Prince Ryne?” Ursan asked in a neutral tone.
I glanced at him, gauging his mood. He didn’t appear to be upset, but he wasn’t the easiest to read. “If I can find his tent.” They all looked the same—a light green color that blended in with the fields. None of them had guards posted outside the entrance either.
“You don’t think he’s staying in the manor house with Estrid?”
“He’s not the type to live in comfort while his troops camp outside. Do you remember which one is his?”
Ursan pointed to a tent. “Do you want company?”
“No, thanks.”
“Still don’t trust me?”
“Let’s just say I’m still suspicious of this...new side of you.” I realized we had switched roles. Interesting.
“Fair enough. I guess time will tell.” He headed back to our camp.
I approached the tent Ursan had indicated. No hidden guards tried to block my way. No one challenged me at all. Calling a hello, I waited for an answer.
“Come in,” Ryne said, drawing back the flap.
It was a relief getting in out of the sun. I expected the tent to be stuffy, but it was cooler than outside. When my eyes adjusted, I spotted Quain and Loren standing on opposite sides of the entrance. Belen sat at a conference table filled with maps. A narrow cot and chest lined the side wall. Major Granvil’s tent looked lavish in comparison to Ryne’s.
The monkeys wouldn’t return my greeting. I hoped they’d forgive me in time. As I sank into a chair next to Belen, he gave me a bright smile.
“Where have you been?” Belen asked.
“Doing a little reconnaissance,” I said, then asked Ryne if he could spare a squad to help with the repairs.
“Of course. It will show Estrid’s soldiers we can be useful.” Ryne sent Loren to relay his orders. “Why did you check out the POW complex? We already know Jael arranged the escape as a distraction.”
“I wanted to see who else might be helping her.”
“And?”
“Marisol’s timely arrival is suspicious. She could be loyal to Jael, but the camp gossip says Jael has been wanting to shut down the POW camp. So why have Marisol save the structure?”
“Maybe Jael’s hoping to use it for something else,” Belen said.
“Or Marisol could have been there on Estrid’s orders.” Ryne sat on the opposite side of the table.
“Which means Estrid had prior knowledge of your assassination and didn’t warn you,” I said.
No one said anything for a minute.