Thankfully, Henry was easy to spot in his plate armor. I waved him down. “Hey!” He turned, surprise melting into a friendly smile, with Maya clinging to his leg.

“It’s good to see you, though I didn’t expect to until tomorrow,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

I rubbed the back of my head and nodded. “I’ve got a few questions. They’ll help me decide if I’m joining you on the trip to Dawnmoor.”

He straightened, interest sharp in his gaze. “Go on, then.”

I hesitated, glancing at Maya. “They’re about the general who took over the town.”

Maya clung tighter to his leg, and Henry grimaced but gestured for me to continue. “I don’t know much, unfortunately,” he admitted. “I wasn’t there when the town was attacked. The generals don’t patrol fixed areas–they take orders from their king and go where they’re sent.”

Damn it. Not the answer I was hoping for.

Before I could press further, Maya shivered, her small voice breaking through. “I saw him. He was scary. He laughed when he destroyed the trader’s house.”

Henry’s expression hardened, and a suspicion stirred at the back of my mind. Keeping my tone soft, I crouched slightly to her level. “Do you remember how he destroyed it?”

She shook her head, fists clenched to Henry’s armor. “He raised his arms, and it just…crumbled.” She mimicked a kicking motion with her leg. “Like my blocks when I knock them down.”

The tension in my chest tightened, though her cute attempt to demonstrate lightened it just a bit. “That’s really helpful, Maya. Thank you for telling me.”

She nodded and stretched her arms toward her father in the universal ‘up’ gesture. Henry did so without hesitation, cradling her on his hip as he rubbed her back.

Once she was settled against his shoulder, he frowned. “What kind of power could do that?”

I had an idea, and it wasn’t one I liked. “Telekinesis is a possibility. If I’m right…” I glanced at Time, who nodded grimly. Looks like I’d be going with them after all.

Henry’s brow furrowed. “Telekinesis?”

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Right. Medieval setting. “It’s the ability to move or manipulate objects with your mind. If this general is one of Silas’s, chances are the power is strong enough to level buildings in seconds.”

Henry paled, and I reached out to squeeze his shoulder. “Looks like I’m joining you. That kind of power could tear apart an army.”

Relief flickered across his face before his gaze shifted warily to Time. “Will your friend agree to that?”

I nodded. “We talked it over. He’ll wait in the next town if my help is needed. Given that power, it would make me feel better to be there as back up, though…” My gaze shifted to Maya. “What about her?”

Henry grimaced, “I’ve been thinking about that. I can’t leave her unguarded–I’ve made too many enemies.”

Before I could offer a solution, Time stepped forward. “I will take her. Latica is watched over by two spirits. There are few places safer.”

Henry hesitated, and I couldn’t blame him. “Nature is one of those spirits, right?” I asked Time. “And she’s probably protective of kids?”

Time nodded. “She is. Why?”

I shrugged, “It’s a big deal to leave your kid with a stranger. Fair concern. But if Nature’s as protective as you say, it might help ease the worry. Do you think she’d house you both temporarily? Spirits want those generals dealt with too, right?”

And, of course, there’s the bonus that Time knew Nature, so he’d likely stay with her anyway.

Time’s nod was slow but confident. “I believe she would agree.”

Henry raised a skeptical brow. “You know the spirit of Nature well enough to say that?”

Time met his gaze evenly. “Yes. I have traveled extensively, and we have crossed paths. We get along well enough and I can say with confidence that she will house both myself and your daughter.”

The tension in Henry’s shoulders eased slightly. “Then we have a plan.”

Maya squirmed, pulling back to look at him with watering eyes. “I don’t want you to go! The last time you went, the bad men came!”

Her small arms wrapped around his neck, clinging tightly. Henry sighed and shook his head. “I know, Sweetling, but our friends are in danger, just like you were. I can’t leave them.”

Her lip trembled as she whispered, “Is Aman with them?”

The question struck like a hammer, and grief flashed across Henry’s face. He swallowed hard before answering, I don’t know. But I hope so.”

He blinked rapidly, fighting back tears, then looked at me. “If you have more questions, please hold them for tomorrow. I…” His voice cracked. “I need a moment.”

“Of course,” I said gently, “I’ll meet you at the gate tomorrow. I’ll stay in the king’s office tonight to stay out of your soldiers’ way.”

He nodded, his shoulders slumping slightly as he turned away. “I’ll give them your description, so they won’t mistake you for an enemy.”

As Henry disappeared into the crowd, I sighed and turned to Time. “Well, that’s settled.”

Time’s expression was a mix of sympathy and dread. “So it is. Let’s retire to the office. Tomorrow, the road ahead will be long.”

I followed in silence, my mind spinning with all the ways this could go wrong.