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spent those years on a slab. Thaddis didn’t let his kingly duties interfere with his weapons practice.”
    Khan pulled Daria next to his side, a silent reminder for her to return to the problem of Ontarem.
    Daria wrinkled her nose at her husband, then flashed him a you’re right smile. “I’ll tell our people about Withea. They’ll trust my words. They need to hear that Thaddis is vanquished, and the citizens of Ocean’s Glory have turned their backs on Besolet and are once again our allies.”
    Indaran relaxed his hands. “That’s news our people will be glad to hear.”
    “Councilor Ogan is going to strip the jewels from Besolet’s temple and recompense families in Ocean’s Glory who lost family members in the war,” Daria informed them. “Not that any amount of money can make up for a life. The rest will finance the rebuilding of Seagem. He’ll help our people get settled.”
    The ship surged through a big wave, and Jasmine grabbed the rail for stability. “Your people are going to need to heal,” she cautioned. “Both physically and from the trauma.”
    Daria nodded in agreement. “Once the people have rested and recovered, bonded with Withea, they can return home or go to Zacatlan for further healing. Although they need to be aware that there still isn’t a God for Seagem. If the reavers retain the knowledge of the shoals protecting the harbor, they could invade the city again. Perhaps Guinheld and Withea can combine their power and protect them. As for those who go with us—”
    Indaran interrupted. “Ocean’s Glory can send soldiers to accompany the people home to Seagem and stay and guard them.”
    Daria shot him a don’t interrupt me look.
    He gave her a rueful glance. “Sorry, little bird. I forget you’re grown up.”
    Daria grinned, and then blinked back sudden tears. Placing a hand on her breast, she shook her head. “You calling me that took me right back to our childhood. I remember our last conversation.” She straightened and her eyes flashed. “Don’t you dare start calling me big bird!”
    Everyone laughed as Daria obviously intended. Then she sobered. “I’ve brought seventy-five soldiers from Ocean’s Glory. Twenty archers and fifty-five swordsmen.”
    Indaran followed her back to the subject at hand. “We’ll need a plan before we even consider returning.”
    Daria gave Jasmine a thoughtful look. “You say the Che-da-wah are fighting?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good.” Daria nodded. “Then my soldiers will add to their ranks. We must kill as many of Ontarem’s people as possible. Each death will weaken Him.”
    “They’re like a grains of sand,” Indaran said with a shake of his head.
    “Many grains of sand still make a beach,” Khan said cryptically.
    Daria nodded, her expression hardening. “We’ll whittle away His beach.”
    “No!” Jasmine slashed the air with her hand. “Well, yes. Whittle away, but not through death. Ontarem has his tentacles in each of his citizens, many whom are good people, whom I’ve promised to help. They are controlled. But we,” she placed her hand on Indaran’s arm, “Can sever them. Set them free. We need to capture , not kill.”
    “I don’t think that will be enough.” Khan spoke up. “Judging by your story, even without their spiritual chains, these people have been brought up from birth to give all their focus and loyalty to Ontarem. I don’t think the news that He is draining them will be enough to turn most of His people against Him. They’ll be like abused women who won’t leave their husbands. They’ll need counselors and time, neither of which we have.”
    Jasmine gave him a resolute look. “Then Arvintor will make them follow Him.”
    “If Arvintor takes them over, doesn’t that make Him as bad as Ontarem?” Khan asked, spreading his hands, palms up.
    “I have felt Arvintor, Khan. You haven’t.” Jasmine’s voice sharpened. “He won’t take them over. He’ll just heal them. Love them. That will be