Leif nodded, then said, “Since we can’t use Valek’s sleeping potion anymore, I’ll brew up my own recipe. It takes longer to kick in and doesn’t last as long, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Thanks.” I glanced around. “Ari and Janco, once we learn where Teegan and the twins have relocated, you’ll need to join them and escort them to the Illiais Market, along with a Stormdancer. Doesn’t matter which one.”

“How do we deduce their new location?” Janco asked.

“One of Fisk’s people will know.”

“What about you?” Ari asked.

“Onora and I will stay at the Citadel—or rather, outside the Citadel—to keep an eye out for Zitora, Valek and Opal.”

Ari crossed his arms. “It’s not safe for you to be that close. One of Fisk’s kids can watch for them, and you can come with us.”

“Zitora won’t listen to a strange kid. I need to talk to her myself.”

“What if you miss Valek? He’ll be upset if you’re not here.”

Janco huffed in amusement. “Upset is too mild a word. Try furious.”

I ignored him. “Kiki can sense other Sandseed horses. If Opal is with him, then Kiki will pick up on Quartz, and if he’s alone, then Valek’ll skirt the plains. We’ll ride close to the western border in case we see him or Zitora.”

“That’s risking a lot for a long shot,” Ari said. “Opal’s trip could have been for nothing.” He glanced at Devlen. “No offense.”

“None taken. There is a chance you are right.”

I used a firm tone. “Either way, I need to update Fisk and learn where we are regarding stopping the Cartel.” No one argued. This time. “Devlen, you can either wait here for Opal or come with us to the Citadel.”

His gaze lingered on Reema before he spoke. “Leif is on the Cartel’s most wanted list. They will have watchers on all the roads, and he and Mara might be intercepted before he reaches the jungle.”

“Hey, I’m not that easy to catch,” Leif protested.

“Oh? What about Fulgor?”

“I...” Leif snapped his mouth closed.

“Devlen, there’s not much we can do about that,” I said. “The spores are our best chance to cut off their supply of Theobroma.”

“I understand. Which is why Reema and I will travel with Leif and Mara. Reema can stay with her grandparents in Booruby, and I will help protect Esau.”

“No,” Reema said, scrambling to her feet. “I should go with Aunt Yelena and Onora.”

I shook my head. “You’re—”

“You’re gonna need me.”

“We are?”

“Yup. You’re gonna need to sneak into the Citadel at some point, and I can get you in.”

“Fisk has an entire network of guild members who can help us,” I said. “They know the Citadel inside and out.”

“Yeah, but they don’t know people like I do. And that helper kid we talked to said even they are having a hard time getting through the gate.”

“I’m okay with it,” Onora said.

“I am not,” Devlen said with force. “Reema, you are coming with me.”

She sulked, but it was the right decision. Bad enough Devlen and everyone here were risking their lives. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything happened to Reema.

Energized by our prospective tasks, we prepared to depart. While Leif mixed some leaves into a pot of boiling water for his sleeping potion, I promised Devlen to inform Opal of his plans.

“How long will Valek wait for her?” he asked me in a low voice.

“Until she returns.”

“But what if she...” He swallowed hard, clearly unable to utter the dire words.

I touched his arm. “Does he know where she was headed?”

“Yes.”

“Then he will track her down and bring her home.”

“But the Cartel—”

“One problem at a time. Right now, we’re lying low until we determine how best to attack them. By then, Valek will be back.”

He smiled his thanks and strode over to help Reema saddle Sunfire. I fingered Valek’s butterfly pendant, or rather, the lump it made underneath my tunic. My confident comment to Devlen left a bitter taste in my mouth. Everyone looked to me for leadership, but I had no idea if anything we were planning would even work. All I knew was that we couldn’t give up.

Leif finished concocting his sleeping draft. He distributed vials to everyone, warning us about its limits again.

“How long does it take?” I asked him.

“About a minute or two, depending on how big the person is. For Ari and Devlen, it would take even longer. Oh, and it doesn’t affect some people at all, which is why we don’t use it for critical situations.”

Lovely. “Is there a way to know who it will work on?”

“Nope.”

I rubbed my forehead. Best to focus on the positive.

Right before Leif and his group left, Reema rushed over to me. She thrust a folded cloak into my arms. “You’re gonna need this.”

“What is it?”

“A mirror illusion is woven into the fabric. When you wear it, you’ll blend into your surroundings.”

Amazed, I struggled to find an appropriate response. “How—?”

“The guys who followed us from the rescue had them. I forgot to tell you, sorry!”