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Mintoth . I feel Haarb in these numbers indicate a threat to Verdantia that must be addressed immediately.” Eric spooned in a mouthful of stew, chewed then swallowed before resuming speaking.
    “ Take your flight and return to Sh’r Un Kree . I freely acknowledge your superb fighting skills and you certainly know the wastelands better than I, but I cannot risk the life of the sister of Doral DeLorion in crossing this wasteland while the chance of a Haarb attack of that magnitude remains a possibility.” Eric examined her face for a reaction to his statement. Her face gave away nothing.
    “As soon as I and my men can ride, I will reconnoiter to the east. I must swiftly calculate the threat level the Haarb forces present—for that, I must first determine their numbers—then report back to Sylvan Mintoth. To your brother,” he emphasized.. “When the Haarb threat has been dealt with, I will return for you.” Spooning more stew into his mouth, he busied himself eating.
    “That is the first thing you have said to make me doubt your judgment.” Sophi wore a cool smile. “I believe your exact words were, ‘Warriors with intimate knowledge of the desert wastelands are a valuable asset’.” Her eyebrows rose. “An experienced commander does not discard a ‘valuable asset’ when he needs it the most. You need our knowledge of this area. My brother, of all people, will understand.”
    If you are harmed in any way, Doral will kill me first and ask questions later . Eric gripped the bowl tightly and closed his eyes in frustration. “And you will follow me whether I want it or not.” He glanced at her.
    The enigmatic smile on her lips answered him quite clearly.
    Eric could not recall a moment when frustration had consumed him so thoroughly. He stared unseeing at the far wall, trying to stop the caustic rise of bile in his throat. Dammit-all. The Haarb invade again in unknown numbers. I swore on my honor to protect a woman who thwarts my attempts at every turn. Three-quarters of my men lie dead. My head is fit to explode and I sit here too weak to stand, wearing a gods-be-damned dress . Fuck! Fuck ! Fuck! His empty bowl flew across the width of the cave, smashing into little bits against the far wall.
    Amused feminine eyes tracked the bowl’s flight and returned to him. “You seem to be regaining your strength. I’ll be back later to look at your dressings.” Sophi rose, a wicked glint in her eyes. “Very fetching robe, Commander. I don’t know many men who could pull off that look.”



Chapter Four
     
    Worry nagged at Sophi as she shielded her eyes from the sun and scanned the entrance to L’ago Mistero . Three days had passed since Petrina and Rhea’s departure to scout the eastern region—too long for experienced desert trackers. She had kept busy tending to the wounded, particularly the handsome commander she was beginning to consider “hers” but unease lurked to prod her sharply when she had a moment to reflect on their non-return.
    “They should be back by now.” Eric’s deep voice at her shoulder startled her.
    “Did my brother teach you to move so silently, Commander?”
    “I share your worry for them, Flight Leader .” His dark brown eyes held hers for a long moment. “I am healed enough to ride. I suggest that we–” He never finished his thought for at that moment she saw a movement at the mouth of the cave. Her flight sister, Rhea, bloody and limping badly staggered into daylight. With a cry, Sophi ran to her, catching her as Rhea collapsed, and eased her gently to the ground. Eric knelt beside her, calling for water.
    “ Flight Leader ,” Rhea croaked through parched lips. “Found Haarb.” She panted, her eyes closing. “Two battalions, maybe more. Have Petrina.”
    Adonia arrived with a water skin and handed it to Eric. He urged small sips on Rhea. The remainder of the flight and  the cavalry surrounded them.
    “Caught us. Got away. Hid. Tried. Free. Petrina.” Tears ran