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“The plot thickens,” Kirilli says, trying to sound lighthearted, but failing to hide the squeak in his voice “Any idea what the odds are? I’ fro about the need to take risks But I like to have an idea of the odds before I place a bet”

“We honestly don’t know,” I tell him

Henoise “Let’s say two-to-one Those are fair odds I’ve bet on a lot worse in my time”

He’s trehter on the deck shook hiard Disciple protocol—run when the odds are against you—and fight to a very probable death

“You don’t need to come with us,” I murmur “We left someone up top to keep our escape route open You could ith him”

Kirilli smiles nervously “I’d love to, but I’ve always dreaendary Beranabus in battle I was never this scared in ive myself”

We start down a long corridor There are bodies lying in tattered, bloodied bundles at regular intervals I wonder how many people a ship this size holds Three thousand? Four? I’ve never heard the death screams of thousands of people The noise must have been horrible

“Have you fought before?” I ask Kirilli, to distract myself

“Not really,” he says “As Sharue and foiling the well-laid plans of villainous rogues like Zsolt and Balint But when it co, I’m more a stabber in the back than a face-to-facean opponent from behind if they’re a nasty piece of work”

“I doubt if Juni will turn her back on you The best thing is to trust in your ic and try not to think too much If you’re attacked, use your instincts You’ll find yourself doing things you never thought possible”

“And if my instincts come up short?” Kirilli asks

Dervish snorts behind us “That’ll be a good time to panic”

Kirilli frowns over his shoulder at Dervish “It’s rude to eavesdrop”

“I’uy,” Dervish retorts “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine Hang back e get there, fire off the occasional bolt of energy—at our opponents, not us—and try not to get in anyone’s way”

“I can tell you’re a true leader of men,” Kirilli says sarcastically