Out here, the siege was barely a sound.
The Scarlet Lilies had pitched their tent a full ride out from the reclamation army's main camp, far enough that the front came down on the wind as distant rolling thunder. Inside, the tea had gone cold hours ago.
Void was asleep against Lilith's shoulder. Her head had settled under Lilith's ear some hours back, both arms looped around the leader's waist for balance, and she had not stirred since. Lilith had not moved her.
Bronnya was pacing.
Four paces one way, four the other. She had started the afternoon with her arms crossed and had given that up a while ago for gesturing into the air.
"We're in Ravenshade."
Jallen looked up from the map she had been folding and unfolding since morning.
"Yes, Bronnya."
"We signed on with the Fujimori girl to help her win Greenvale. That's what the paperwork said. Greenvale. I know because you read it to me twice."
"...yes."
"Greenvale is not here."
"That is very true."
