Chapter 17

Nawat and Aly clung to each other, as if afraid of what would happen if they let go. Nawat quickly recalled all his men from the underground prison and retreated up into the street. The buildings had been cleared in the wee hours of the morning and guards had been posted at every entrance so there was no chance for snipers.

"Now," Nawat said to Ysul when he was sure all his man were clear. Aly put her head on her husband's shoulder and tried not to fall asleep. All her anxieties had melted away when Nawat had put his arm around her waist. With Nawat here, she didn't need to worry.

Ysul raised his hands slowly and brought them down quickly, Gift flashing around his hands and the building. The building promptly caught fire and collapsed. The two buildings to the right and left also collapsed, along with part of the street behind the post office.

The soldiers formed ranks around Nawat and Aly – who he was now carrying bridal style. She had fallen asleep as she watched the buildings fall. Ysul led the march back to the palace. Raka loyal to Queen Dovasary stood silently along the roads, watching the procession. There were no children out. Most of the watchers stood stony faced. They knew what had been stolen from the palace had just been reclaimed. The Trickster made his blessing visible. It manifested as a light around all of the marchers. But it was brightest around Nawat and Aly. Some of the watchers began to cry. Nawat's tears made tracks in the dirt covering his face.

What a terrible state he had found his mate in.

Some of the watchers saw through the ranks of soldiers. They saw the couple in the middle. They were heartbroken to see such a pair. If she was alive, they thought, she was stronger than they. Raka warriors from the palace take over that had decided to go back to their families joined the march in silence. Members of Aly's Pack – with their faces firmly covered – joined the Raka warriors and the palace soldiers. Nothing would be harming their Duani.

There was no sound. Even the animals seemed to understand that any noise was not going to be appreciated.

Messengers ran unnoticed through the crowded streets to tell the palace – the queen in particular – that the spymaster was alive but gravely wounded.

In another part of the city the grave procession was leaving, Fesgao let it all burn.