"Is that what you want? To get out of here?"
"Not yet. It feels like a mix of trouble and excitement. People know war is coming and it scares them, but it's exciting, too. A chance for change."
Ashyn paused. "Do you want change?"
"Not from a man who slaughters villages with shadow stalkers. My issues with the empire aren't from anything Emperor Tatsu has done. But dissatisfied people don't always see that. To them, revolution means rice wine and honey cakes for all. I've been getting that sense of tension and excitement every time we pass through a village. Here, it's multiplied tenfold."
"Perhaps there's news? Of actual war? Or another incursion?" She paused. "Or perhaps something about the children. Of Edgewood and Fairview . . ." She knew that was not their priority now. It couldn't be, with Moria captive and Tyrus wanted for treason. But she still thought of the children. Often.
"I must be discreet," Ronan said. "But I said that I'd heard something about children being taken, and no one knew anything of the sort. As for the war, everyone who has news is eager to share it, but the rumors are the same. The empire still is preparing."
"Perhaps those preparations are escalating, and it's having some effect here."
He considered it. "They will recruit for the army. Not for warriors, of course, but for cooks and blacksmiths and such. But I can't see how that would be any cause for anxiety or secrecy."
"What if it's not Emperor Tatsu who's recruiting?"
He nodded slowly. "Let me make another round, then, with more pointed questions."
After Ronan left, Ashyn paced. She could do nothing else. There wasn't even a window to peek out. She did open the door a crack. Though night had fallen, she could see torches. An inordinate number of them, it seemed, and lanterns, too, as if people were milling about waiting for something.
She was still looking when she heard the thump of footsteps on the stairs and glanced over just as Ronan crested them. He waved her back inside. She'd barely gotten the door closed before it opened again.
Ronan strode in, caught her by the shoulders, and kissed her cheek with a loud smack. "You are a genius. Have I mentioned that?"
"Not lately."
He grinned and squeezed her shoulders. Guin came in and shut the door as Ronan and Ashyn moved farther into the room.
"You were absolutely right," Ronan said. "A few of Alvar's mercenaries and bandits are here, recruiting. They're finding able-bodied young men and women and offering them positions. They're being very secretive about it, and of course no one wants to admit to being approached, but nor does anyone dare report them. Not that there's anyone here to report them to. They're choosing well, canvassing small settlements like this, without any regular guard."
"You're sure that's what's happening?"
"They approached me and asked my views on the current situation. When I said I hadn't made up my mind, the man started telling me why my life would be better under Alvar. He said the rebellion needs young men like me, and I could be raised to the warrior caste if I demonstrated an ability for battle. I told him I'd consider it."
"Wise," Ashyn murmured. "These aren't men you wish to cross."
"It's also the truth. I am considering it." He flashed a broad grin as she looked over, shocked, and when he spoke again, his voice strummed with excitement. "Think of it, Ash. Where better to get information on Moria? On the entire situation? I could be a spy."
"No, you could not."
He paused, his mouth open. When he shut it, his face darkened. "If you think I could not handle it--"
"I'm sure you could, but--"
"I have martial training. I could be a warrior." When she opened her mouth, he cut her short with a wave. "I don't mean truly ascend to warrior caste, Ash. I mean within their ranks. That would get me more information than if I was working the stables."
"It could also get you killed."
Guin cleared her throat. "I'm going out. I saw a vendor selling sugared plums--"
"Yes, yes," Ronan said. "Go."
Once she'd left, he rolled his eyes. "We're discussing a serious situation, and she flits off to buy sweets."
"I don't want to talk about Guin. I want to talk about you. There are men on Alvar's side who've seen you. Who know you're with us. Barthol and his confederates--"
"He wouldn't recognize me. I look like a hundred other low-caste brats."