“It would depend on how far east Cellina’s army is. With Estrid...neutralized and most of her soldiers fighting for Ryne, Cellina could push all the way through Pomyt and into Ozero and Tobory with little to no resistance.”

“True, but it’s only been a couple weeks since they invaded Zabin.”

Just a couple weeks? It felt like years. “And don’t forget Jael. The last time I saw her, she was heading south.” The air magician had tried to either kill me or use me a number of times. I’d be happy never to see Jael again.

“General Jael’s scared and on the run,” Odd said. “She bugged out before Tohon was neutralized. Unless she finds out what happened, she’ll stay far away.”

Not the way I’d describe her. Cunning, smart, and power hungry would be closer to the Jael I’d encountered. When she’d realized Estrid couldn’t stop Tohon, she’d made a tactical decision to escape his trap, abandoning the army that she’d led. I suspected Jael had big plans and would return. Oh, joy.

“We can suggest a trip south to Ryne and see what the master strategist thinks,” I said with just a trace of sarcasm.

“Can’t wait.” Odd’s tone matched mine.

We arrived at HQ the next day. Bracing for another dank cave, I paused when we reached the outskirts of a tiny town. Amazed it hadn’t burned down during the plague years, I scanned the area. At the town’s heart stood a sprawling two-story-high factory, surrounded by a handful of houses and stables. The place appeared abandoned, but I spotted a few guards tucked among the buildings. As we walked toward the center, we passed a single bathhouse and inn. At least I wouldn’t be sleeping on the ground tonight.

“Place is called Victibus,” Odd said. “Named after the family who owned the only business in town.” He gestured to the factory.

Faded letters on the side of the building spelled out Victibus Mining Company.

The door opened before we reached it. Two soldiers stepped out with swords in hand and questioned us.

Odd answered. “Sergeant Oddvar and the odd squad returning from a retrieval mission.”

Annoyed, I glanced at Odd. “I’m the retrieved?”

“Was your mission a success, Sergeant?” one guard asked.

“That’s debatable, Private.”

“Hey.” I swatted Odd’s arm.

“I see,” the private said, ushering us inside. “I’ll let Prince Ryne know you’ve returned. Wait here.”

We stood in a typical reception area complete with an area rug, desk, and chairs. Surprising, since the towns that hadn’t burned down had been looted by the plague survivors.

I perched on the edge of one of the wooden chairs. “I hope this isn’t the only entrance.”

“Don’t worry, there are other ways out,” Odd said with a gleam in his eyes.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“You’ll see.”

I muttered under my breath, but Odd ignored me. Soon enough, the private returned and escorted us inside. Tall machinery occupied the main area, with screens and conveyor belts connecting them. Piles of rocks littered the floor. Some reached as high as the metal roof. I put the clues together and guessed Victibus had mined some type of stone and used this equipment to break it into smaller pieces.

After we passed the machinery, we headed to an open area where tables had been assembled and maps spread out over them. A number of soldiers surrounded the conference tables and Ryne bent over a map. So this was HQ. Not very impressive.

When Ryne noticed us, he gestured us closer. Wearing gray pants, a black tunic, and black boots, Ryne looked nothing like a prince of Ivdel Realm. Or rather like the king of Ivdel. Even with his parents gone, he hadn’t assumed the title. Neither had Kerrick. Which had changed my preconceptions of all royalty being backstabbing and power hungry. Now it was almost all, since Tohon and Jael matched the stereotype.

“Any problems?” Ryne asked.

“No,” Odd said.

“Yes,” I said at the same time.

Odd continued in a formal tone, “Cellina sent a team after her, like you expected. We intercepted them as ordered.”

“It was a little sloppy,” I chimed in. “A few of our guards were hurt. Perhaps next time you can just stab the fish hook right through my stomach and dangle me from the trees. It’d be more effective.”

Ryne’s gaze focused on me. “I see. Avry, I’d like a word in private.”

“Okeydokey.”

He stared at me as if gauging my mood before turning away.

I followed him. Expecting him to lead me to an empty corner, he surprised me by pulling open one of the oversize loading doors. In this section of the building, large mounds of earth had been piled. And right in the middle was a huge hole in the ground.

Ryne headed straight for it and descended steps that led down to an underground room.

I paused at the edge.

He glanced up. “We’ll be more comfortable in my office.”

Oh, no. “Your office is down there?”

“Yes, along with a number of caverns and tunnels. We could house our entire army down there if we had to.”

I groaned. “The mines.”

“Exactly. And the best part is, they extend for miles in all directions. Once we figure out where they go, we can use them to move troops unseen. Isn’t it wonderful?”

From a military standpoint, yes, but I’d rather be outside under the stars than under the ground. My visions of spending a night in a normal bed vanished. I joined him at the bottom.