Ulula rode past the target, knees guiding the horse gently, bowstring pulled taut. She released her arrow, smooth and true, blasting the center of the painted circle. She reached down by her knee, whipped another arrow from the quiver tied to her horse’s saddle and nocked it, shooting the next target at thirty paces. Flawless. Her third and final attempt, at forty paces, hit just off center.

  Several of the men near Yechvan cheered, and he swelled with pride. He had been right not to disturb her the previous night, to allow her this last moment of normalcy before they were plunged once more into war.

  Ulula gripped the reins of her stallion and urged him around. He trotted back toward the spectators, stepping high, pleased with his rider.

  She dropped her bow into Yechvan’s outstretched arms and dismounted. Her wild auburn mane flared like dragon’s breath. She pulled back the unruly hair and retied it atop her head. A group of onlookers came to congratulate her on her expert display as the next challenger set out to beat her near-perfect score.

  “Glad I put money on you,” one man said, the others murmuring their assent/agreement.

  The tally was taken and marked on the board. She scored ten points higher than her nearest opponent.

  No doubt intimidated by Ulula’s performance, the next competitor missed the bullseye on the first target. The second arrow slipped from his grasp and caused him to lose his rhythm. After that, he abandoned his run. The crowd jeered and booed and threw ale and apples at the flustered rider.

  Ulula smiled at Yechvan, her small teeth and crooked tusks flashing in Solonia’s blinding glare. Sweat beaded on her upper lip and brow. Bright golden-brown eyes searched his, and he returned the smile, his genuine congratulations lighting up her face. Her earthy complexion reminded him of the first blades of grass peeking through the dry winter soil. The green of her Udaro orc mother shone through her mountain orc father’s brown, giving her skin a multi-colored hue.

  She gripped his arm with a powerful hand. Out of breath, she said, “Do you think I’ll win?”

  “I don’t see anyone here beating your score.”

  Eight years his senior, she had taken him and Zu under her wing during the Great Northern War and had been by their side ever since. He had warmed to her as soon as they’d met. She was poised, calm under pressure, a giant in the face of adversity.

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  “I’ll have to be perfect for the jinki tournament later this year,” she replied.

  Yechvan took her aside. “There may not be a tournament this year. We are mobilizing against Peryn. The qish will gather everyone to make an official announcement at lunch.”

  “Koruzan’s hair, another war?” Ulula sighed, though Yechvan could sense eagerness beneath her words. This would be her first test as leader of the bantax.

  “Roog and I have gone over the positioning. I asked for charge of the eastern flank near the River Kyl.”

  “Are you leaving today?”

  “Zu and I are off to Brogh for a stop at Madame Sho’s first, but I didn’t want to miss your contest.”

  “Without me?”

  “We assumed you’d join us.”

  “You know I never pass up the opportunity to visit Madame Sho’s.” She shoved him playfully. “What about the qince’s training?”

  “It’ll have to wait until the war is over, I suspect. Grusk will hardly risk Grask’s life by sending him to the front.”

  Ulula crossed disapproving arms. “The boy could benefit from the experience.”

  “I agree, but it’s not my decision to make.” Yechvan handed her a small scroll. “A few things before we leave the capital this afternoon. I’m going to need all the archers I can get. Instruct the captains to set up their supply trains through Usao and Teg. We must begin at once if we hope to finish our preparations before the first swords are crossed.”

  “Usao and Teg. That’s out of the way, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, but we’ll need ample fishing nets and fletchers, and they have the best.”

  “You expect a prolonged engagement?” she asked.

  “I do. Set a wide caravan and make sure it’s well protected, even if that means fewer soldiers on the battlefield. We’ll be exposed in the open, so secure us as many shields and armor plates from the supply as they will allow, studded leather for the rest. I’ve no interest in losing good men and women to stray arrows.”

  “Anything else?” she asked.

  “You’ll be in charge until I arrive. I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

  “Until you arrive? Where are you going?”

  “Zu and I will get a head start to scout the land so I can pick my battlefields. I don’t know the south near as well as the north.”

  “Just the pair of you? Is that wise? There’s a wicked rumor you were attacked by a band of Perysh assassins on your return from the temple. Was Serik really with them?”

  Yechvan nodded.

  “You don’t suppose they’ll try again?”

  “I doubt it. But if they do, Zu is all the protection I need.”

  “There’s truth in that. Though you might make more of an effort to come out of it in one piece.” She eyed his bandaged leg.

  “Naught but a nuisance,” Yechvan said. “We’ll ride out after lunch. We should know the results of your contest by then.”

  “Oh, who cares about that? We have something real to worry about now.”

  Yechvan turned a raised eyebrow on her. “Good luck with your next round, not that you need it. Not with this competition.”

  “Lower your voice, Yog.” She shushed him but couldn’t conceal a grin.

  He laughed, waving her off, and headed toward the castle.