The Traitor Queen (The Traitor Spy Trilogy #3)(99)

It feels like we’re breaking into these people’s homes and killing husbands, sons and fathers, not waging a war. If we faced them in a unified front we’d still be killing husbands, sons and fathers, but it would seem justified. Yet the Traitors weren’t triumphant victors, casually or vengefully killing off the families, looting and torturing. If they had been, Lorkin might have regretted his decision to join them. Instead they were merciful and efficient.

But ruthless.

He thought of the gemstone his mother had given him.

He reminded himself that his father had extracted a promise from Zarala that the Traitors would end slavery. His father had wanted this to happen. Every time Lorkin doubted, or lost courage, he looked to the newly freed slaves, and told himself this was all for a good cause.

He had expected the Traitors would encounter better-prepared Ashaki once the invasion began, but it was clear each was surprised by the attack. Perhaps those killed earlier were too occupied in their own defence to send a warning to others. Perhaps they relied on slaves to send messages, but the slaves who supported the Traitors ensured that those loyal to their masters did not leave to warn others.

Eventually a warning would get through, Lorkin knew. Maybe an Ashaki would mentally send a warning, either broadcasting it or communicating through a blood ring. Even if Savara’s team managed to kill them before they got the chance, other teams might not. Once the news got ahead of the advancing Traitors, nothing would stop it spreading to the city. When it did, the Traitors would not be attacking one or two magicians at each estate, but an army of them. Which was why the shadow on the road ahead had set his heart racing.

He focused on Tyvara’s mind and sensed eager expectation, with only a small pang of worry. No more Traitors have died, he caught. But it won’t be long … She noticed him frowning at her, and smiled.

“Don’t worry. It’s just another team. As we all get closer to the city, teams will meet and join up.”

Relieved, he turned to watch as the other Traitors approached. Shadows resolved into figures on horseback. Riders became women and men. Faces became recognisable. He heard Tyvara curse at the same time as he realised one face was familiar.

“What is she doing here?” he muttered.

Tyvara sighed. “Kalia’s punishment was suspended for the duration of the invasion,” she told him. “As was mine. It would be unfortunate if we lost, but for the power of two magicians.”

He watched as Kalia’s eyes moved over Savara’s group, then her expression turned sour as she saw him and Tyvara.

“We are all on the same side,” Tyvara said. “But I do wish Kalia had been put in a team attacking the opposite side of the city,” she added in a lower tone.

Savara turned to look at them both. “I will be keeping an eye on her. And an ear.” She looked back at the approaching team and urged her horse forward to meet them. To Lorkin’s relief, the woman who came to meet her was not Kalia. It was Speaker Halana, leader of the stone-makers.

“At least she’s not leading the team,” he said.

Tyvara chuckled. “We aren’t that stupid.”

Halana placed a hand over her heart briefly, then took hold of the reins again to guide her horse to a stop next to Savara’s mount.

“Any news?” Savara asked.

“We’ve lost Vilanya and Sarva,” Halana replied. “They were ambushed.”

“So the Ashaki are warned.”

“Most likely. Any trouble?”

“A few slaves getting a little too eager,” Savara replied. She sighed. “Those in one estate killed an entire family and the head slave, who was one of our allies. I told them this isn’t our intention, but I don’t think they were listening.”

Halana nodded. “There will be more trouble of that kind. I have been hinting that we want to deal with the families ourselves, later.”

“That might work, so long as they don’t take on the role of jailor too enthusiastically.” Savara looked around. “Let’s continue.”

The two groups mingled to become one. Lorkin noted that Kalia positioned herself so that Savara and Halana were between her and Tyvara. The two leaders discussed what they would do if freed slaves were unable to provide the Traitors with food. Not long had passed when Savara suddenly spoke loud enough for all to hear.

“What is this problem you are discussing, Kalia?”

Lorkin looked over to see the woman glance at him, then back at the queen. Her back straightened.

“We have a non-Traitor among us. I was merely advising Cyria that she be careful.”

“Cyria need not be wary of anybody here. We are all Traitors.”

“Lorkin is Kyralian.”

“Kyralian born. Now a Traitor. There are ex-slaves and women who were formerly wives and sisters of the Ashaki among us. All chose to join us. All are needed.”

“But he is a Guild magician, and a man.”

Savara smiled. “If my meeting with his mother had achieved its purpose, we would be marching toward Arvice along with many hundred Guild magicians, among them quite a few men. Would so much masculine company alarm you, Kalia?”

“Of course not! Though I would not so easily trust them, as you might.” Kalia gave Savara a sidelong look. “So … the Guild won’t go to war with the Ashaki. And he is still here? Are you sure he isn’t a spy?”