dropping them on each location, so Alchan could have a visual reference. “Seanev, with a thousand warriors, can take out a two-thousand soldier camp. I have faith in him.”
“He’s also been told to come home if his casualties go over fifty percent,” Luykas added. “If spring is still a good indication, though, it shouldn’t come to that.”
“Good, good,” Alchan said softly. “Let’s pick teams for the smaller missions. The more aggressive we can be, the better off we are—Nevyn, four teams, all good enough to run in small hit-and-run operations. Pick well because these will be the basis for the new elite units. You’re taking Kelsiana’s old job. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir,” Nevyn said, bowing. “It’s an honor to continue her way.”
“You better pick me for a team,” Mave said, smiling at him from across the room.
“You can pick her, but you can’t send her anywhere. She promised me she’s going to take the summer off,” Alchan said, not looking at her until he was nearly done speaking, his expression unamused. “Remember?”
Mave groaned, crossing her arms. “I’m the best you have.” She itched to get away from the drama of the camp and get back into the stark, easy reality of war. There was something clear about life on the battlefield. She knew who the enemy was and how to deal with them. That clarity eluded her in the village.
“Yes, as you and everyone else in this room have reminded me multiple times,” Alchan said with a distinct lack of patience. “Which is why I can’t let you get worn out and possibly killed on what should be routine for the warriors going on these missions. You’ve been home for maybe a week. You have a new nemari. Let some other warriors get the glory of war. Besides, I need you by my side right now more than ever.”
Mave huffed but didn’t offer an argument. When Alchan was done passing out orders to everyone in the room, they were given leave to disperse. She grabbed her father, keeping him from wandering off with Nevyn.
“You better not go on a mission without me,” she said, eyeing him.
“Senri has already made both of us promise not to go out to fight without each other. I’m in the same boat as you and have to take the summer off. Nevyn is going to whip these teams up with my help since I served under Kelsiana as well. No one who went out in spring is going on these missions. Do you mind if I recommend Matesh and Zayden, though? They’d be good for the job, and we can spare them.”
“Not at all,” she said, smiling. “As long as they’re on the same team.”
“Of course.” He smiled and patted her arm, then headed off to join Nevyn and Varon. As he disappeared from sight, a spicy scent filled her nose as thick arms wrapped around her waist.
“You’re going to send us off to war?” Mat asked softly. He must have overheard Kian’s question and her answer.
“If you want to go,” she said quietly. “Don’t think it won’t worry me every moment, but…”
“It’s best if someone from the Company goes on any of these teams,” he finished for her. “We’ll probably all be put on them, eventually, but we’ll never get to go as a full unit again. Too much at stake now. Don’t worry, I’ll get me and Zayden back alive. If we’re on the same team, you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“You better,” she whispered, turning to him. He chuckled as she ran her hand through his hair and pulled him into a kiss.
When it was over, Zayden was standing beside them, smiling broadly at Mat. “So, we’re going on a mission?”
“Yeah, which means we’re getting really drunk tonight. Everyone is still partying from seeing off Seanev’s campaign. Might as well jump in and enjoy it.” Mat grinned in return. “No sitting it out this season for us.”
“Great. I’ve been getting a little bored with the training.”
“Are you two going to need some privacy tonight?” Mave asked, crossing her arms as she attempted to have a serious face. “If you do, we have that spare room—”
Zayden grabbed her and yanked her into a fierce kiss.
“If you think I’m going to miss out on a single night with you before this mission, you have lost your mind, female.”
“Well, then, you should help me find it,” she teased, grabbing the belt he wore to hold him where he was. “Maybe I lost it in