Free Army of the Dead by Richard S. Tuttle Page B

invasion.”
    “And the timing of it,” nodded Lady Mystic. “It is curious that Clarvoy is involved. That indicates to me that they are concerned about the defenses on the mainland. I wonder if Premer Doralin has run into trouble.”
    “He has,” nodded Xavo as he sat down next to Lady Mystic. “His fleet was attacked at sea, and his losses were heavy. Right now the battle for Alamar is ongoing, but victory is assured. Vand was not entirely happy with the report, not only because of the losses, but because the report came from one of Clarvoy’s spies within Doralin’s mage group.”
    “So Doralin has not reported in yet,” mused Lady Mystic. “That means that there is little positive news to report. I did not think that the Sakovans even had a navy.”
    “They don’t,” frowned Xavo. “I can make no sense out of any attack at sea that could result in heavy losses. The report did not specify anything about the enemy fleet. In fact, the spy did not complete his report. The air tunnel was dropped unexpectedly. Clarvoy believes that the mage was killed before he could finish.”
    “Clarvoy has been to Alamar,” noted Lady Mystic. “He could send an air tunnel of his own to get a report.”
    “Not without a large chance of having the air tunnel grabbed by a Sakovan,” Xavo pointed out. “Clarvoy has no idea of how far into the city Doralin’s troops are, and they still only know how to cast one type of air tunnel. Any reply he got back would be suspect. No, he has to wait for someone there to report in.”
    “Without the air tunnels that I gave to Vand,” frowned Lady Mystic, “Vand’s armies would be fighting blind. I do not know how you could forgive me for that foolish move.”
    “That is history,” smiled Xavo. “We cannot change the past. The important thing is that we are working together now.”
    “That we are,” smiled Lady Mystic as she rose, “and it is time for me to do my part.”
    “What are you going to do?” Xavo asked apprehensively.
    “Try to squeeze information out of the premers when they leave the temple,” grinned Lady Mystic.
    “You are an outcast,” frowned Xavo. “They will not talk to you.”
    “We shall see,” smiled Lady Mystic. “Vand’s moods swing wildly. Those who are out of favor one day may be back in favor the next.  As long as I am still alive, people will not shun me completely. You go ahead and report what you know. I will be back as soon as I discover something worthwhile.”
    Lady Mystic left the clearing and walked the streets of the city until she had a view of the front of the temple. She leaned against a building and watched the citizens passing by, as if she were just whiling away the morning. It was over an hour before two premers left the temple. Premer Cardijja, who was based in Eldamar, and Premer Shamal, who was based in Sudamar, walked down the steps together. Tzargo, the premer based in Vandamar was not present, and Lady Mystic figured that he had remained in the temple.
    The two premers walked together, chatting amicably, as they headed for the city docks. Lady Mystic knew that they probably had ships waiting for them to take them to their home cities. She allowed the men to pass her and then she walked behind them at a faster pace than they were walking. She caught up to them quickly.
    “Premer Cardijja,” greeted Lady Mystic. “It has been a long time since you were in Vandamar.”
    The two men halted and turned to face Vand’s daughter.
    “And Premer Shamal as well,” smiled Lady Mystic. “Good morning. You must have been in to see my father. Did he give you another award, or did he slap your wrists?”
    “Greetings, Lady Mystic,” frowned Premer Shamal. “You know that we are not allowed to discuss what goes on in the throne room. Besides, you no longer enjoy the pleasure of the Emperor. We really should not be seen with you.”
    “Tsk, tsk,” smiled Lady Mystic. “Your manners could use some improvement, Shamal. You