It was raining outside. Rudiger could hear the drops hitting the roof and walls of the barn. Inside, it was stuffy, even more so than usual. Eleven horses all together could do that.

He rubbed the sore part of his right hand. Fra-Mecatl had hit it numerous times that morning as he had tried to remember all the names and rules she was trying to teach him. Surprisingly, however, she had done nothing in response to his lack of progress on the book. He told her first thing that he had tried to read it, but he simply couldn’t. While he could speak the language now, he had not learnt to read it. Her response was just to launch into the day’s lessons.

He now had a large list of names of people he should listen for news on or even watch if he had the opportunity. There were so many people to remember, he wasn’t sure how to keep them all straight. At least he had a written list, complete with descriptions. It was even written in Arnorgue.

“Only because there is no other choice,” Fra-Mecatl had said when giving it to him. “There is simply not enough time otherwise. Once you’ve memorised it, destroy it. You could probably explain it if caught with it, but better safe than sorry.”

He’d made a point of packing the list right away so he wouldn’t leave it behind.

The barn door opened and a short figure entered. In the dim light, Rudiger thought at first that it must be Acat, but the individual was slenderer than Acat. The figure came forward into the light of his lantern. It was Ses-Izel.

“Believe it or not,” she said, “I’m actually glad to see you, too.”

“You are?” Rudiger said. “I never said anything about it.”

“I’m not talking to you.” She walked past him to Borisin’s stall. She patted the stallion’s head.

Right, Rudiger thought. Now he understood how other people must feel whenever he talked to Borisin. He would have to make more effort to remember to use silent conversation in the future.

Told you she liked me, Borisin said.

“I didn’t think you were coming,” Rudiger said to her.

She had been furious when he’d asked her to come out and had told her why. She’d screamed at him for several minutes. “This is not your fight, Rudiger. You do not get to start making plans for us! Just stick to what Fra-Mecatl and Fra-Tepeu tell you to do, and no more.”

“I know that,” he said. “But I’ve been dragged into this. They asked me to get involved. I’m just trying to find someone, and I’ve no idea if all this revolution stuff is helping or hindering me.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re in way over your head, and you are not taking me down with you.”

He had tried for a little longer to convince her, but had just made her angrier. So he was very surprised to see her here now.

“Fra-Tepeu asked me to come,” Ses-Izel said, not taking her eyes off Borisin. “I respect him a great deal, so I came. Don’t expect me to leap on board whatever you’re planning.”

“All I was hoping you’d do is listen,” Rudiger said.

“Yeah, sure, listen,” she said, finally turning away from Borisin.

They stood in silence for a few minutes, while they waited for the others to arrive. Rudiger wasn’t sure if he should say something. Just casual talk to pass the time. Or would she scream at him?

She was the one who broke the silence. “So, what have you been doing with the Isyar? I assume you must be hiding him somewhere.”

“He spends almost all his time in the cellar,” Rudiger said. “But right now, he’s at the back, praying or meditating or something.”

“He’s here?” She began to look around.

“I’ve asked him to stay in the dark until I’m ready.”

“You’re going to reveal him to them? Gods, you’re stupider than I thought.”

“I’m going to find out their attitudes towards Isyar first. I’m not quite that stupid. I’ve learnt a little bit about what goes on in Ninifin. I know Fra-Mecatl teaches it’s only one Isyar that’s evil, not the lot of them. If they agree with her teachings, hopefully they’ll be okay with learning about him. He could be a resource to them, and if Borisin and I are going to get away from the Palace eventually, we’ll need him.”

“You’re taking a hell of a risk.”

“Need to. Otherwise, nothing’s ever going to get done.”

“I ought to just walk out of here right now.”

“That’s your choice, but I could use your help.”

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

She stepped up to him. “See, there’s the problem Rudiger. You need my help? Again, this isn’t your fight.”

“I meant we need your help. The resistance, everyone. They admire and trust you.”

“That’s it. I’m out of here. I gave you a chance, and that’s all Fra-Tepeu can expect.” She turned for the exit, but the door was opening. “Shit.”

“Eleuia! Is that you?” It was Ses-Patli. She leaned the spear she was carrying against the wall, and rushed forward to greet Ses-Izel. “Thank Ninussa! We didn’t expect you back for some time yet. No wonder Rudiger wanted to see us.”

“Good to see you again, Ses-Patli,” Ses-Izel said. Her stance relaxed a bit, but Rudiger couldn’t decide if that was because she was genuinely happy to see the other Ninifin or if she was just putting on a good act.

Once Acat and Kianto arrived a few minutes later, Rudiger filled all three in on the situation with Borisin. “There’s still a chance the Queen might turn me away,” he finished.

“A pretty good chance, I’d say,” Ses-Izel interrupted.

“Okay, a pretty good chance, but assuming she doesn’t, then...well...I figured you’d all want to know about this.”

“This could be a great opportunity,” Ses-Patli said.

“And an incredibly risky one,” Ses-Izel said. “Rudiger should stick to gathering information and that’s it. We don’t have the resources to plan anything more extravagant than that.”

“But surely now is the time to start building towards that,” Acat said.

Ses-Izel shook her head. “Eventually, maybe. In a few years. But not now. We’ve always known this operation would take years. In the meantime, I’ll continue—”

“But it’s already taken years,” Kianto said, “and in that time, Fra-Ichtaca has just strengthened her position.”

“Have you heard about the Youth Guard?” Acat said.

The talk went back and forth for some time after that. Rudiger decided to add as few comments as possible, except when directly asked. These four knew far more about the political situation and the strengths of the Resistance than he did. He just listened and tried to put as much to memory as he could, since he was going to need a lot of it.

Ses-Izel continued to push for caution and patience, and Ses-Patli was quickly convinced. Acat and Kianto, however, continued to push for being more proactive and to make preparations to extract Rudiger should it become necessary. Ses-Izel agreed to the latter, saying that she and her people would take care of that, and the rest of the Resistance should stay out of it.

“However, Rudiger, if we have to extract you through any sort of covert means, I can make no guarantees about Borisin. To be honest, I can’t even make any guarantees about you, but Borisin will be virtually impossible.”

“Oh hell,” Rudiger said, but bit his lip to stop himself saying anything more. He didn’t need another argument with her right now, especially what would be practically the exact same argument he’d had with her the very first time they’d met. And like that time, he understood her reasons as much as he hated them.

“Is the horse really that important?” Ses-Patli asked.

“Yes,” Rudiger said, and to his surprise, Ses-Izel said the same thing at the same time.

Ses-Patli walked over to Borisin’s stall and Borisin pulled his head back. “I know the horse is what is getting you in there in the first place, but what other value does it have?”

Borisin snorted and shuffled his feet. Value? What am I, a commodity? See, this is why I don’t like most people.

“A lot,” Rudiger said.

“He’s a magnificent horse, Rudiger,” Kianto said, “and I understand you must have a great deal of attachment to him, but—”

“He’s not a typical horse,” Ses-Izel interrupted. “He’s intelligent, he can understand every word you’re saying, and he can talk.”

Acat laughed, but stopped when he saw Ses-Izel staring at him, arms crossed. “You’re serious?”

“Very. Which is why I regret that getting Borisin out in a crisis will be almost impossible, but it’s the truth.”

“A horse like that would be a shame to lose,” Kianto said, “but Eleuia’s right, Rudiger. There may be no other choice.”

“I understand that,” Rudiger said, “but what if I have another resource I can offer you?”

“What sort of resource?” Kianto asked.

Ses-Izel stiffened and looked at Rudiger. She shook her head and mouthed the word, “No.”

“Before I say,” Rudiger said, “can I ask you a question? All of you?”

Kianto put an arm around Acat’s shoulders and they both nodded. “Of course,” Acat said.

Ses-Patli came back over from Borisin’s stall. “Go ahead.”

“Fra-Mecatl. Do you agree with her teachings?”

“Of course,” Acat said. “I think she’s overly cautious, but she’s a wise woman.”

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe what she has to say,” Ses-Patli said.

“Good,” Rudiger said. “Because what I’m about to show you may be a little shocking at first, and your first instinct may be one of fear or hatred.”

“What are you going on about?” Ses-Patli said.

“I’m going to introduce you to someone. Zandrue and I aren’t the only outsiders staying with Fra-Mecatl and Fra-Tepeu. There’s a third, and he’s here with their full knowledge and blessing. It’s important that you know that.”

“Do you know what he’s talking about, Eleuia?” Ses-Patli asked.

Ses-Izel lowered her head. “Yes, I do. I advised him not to do this, but since he’s ignoring my advice, I should just tell you that you have nothing to fear from this person. He is ill and weak in this environment, so I question how much of a resource he’ll be to you, but... Fuck it, you should just meet him. Jorvanultumn, come forward.”

Ses-Patli stumbled back as the silhouette of Jorvan’s wings became visible in the dim light, and she ran to grab her spear. Acat whimpered and clutched at Kianto.

You humans are so weird, Borisin said.