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COMMANDER ZAHIR PUSHED ASIDE THE DOCUMENT that had occupied his attention and stood. He circled around his desk. He looked at Thami’s feet and said, “Leave those boots outside, soldier, then join me at my table.”

Thami blinked back his surprise as he stepped out of Zahir’s tent and removed his filth-caked boots. He tucked in his tunic, swept his hair off his forehead, and hurried back inside. Zahir already sat on a pillow by the low table in the center of the tent. He gestured for Thami to join him. And once Thami sat across from Zahir, he slid a cup of tea across the table.

Zahir nodded at the Thami’s tea and picked up his own cup. “Blessed is Our Maker,” Zahir said. “All thanks to Amghar.” Then he held his steaming teacup beneath his nose and closed his eyes. Finally, after a deep breath, he took a sip, set down his cup, and looked down at his hands instead of at Thami. “Do you know why we’ve been sent here?” Zhair asked. “To the middle of No Man’s Land?”

“No, sir. To be honest, it seems like a stu—a strange place to be stationed.”

Zahir nodded and finally met Thami’s gaze. “I imagine so. But what if I told you that our advanced scouts reported months ago that Tutrum had sent several boats of raiders up the Gilassi River? Concerned, the scouts followed our southern enemies only to discover that they were disembarking on the shores of the Ta’Gengan Wastes and heading inland.”

“They…they entered the Ta’Gengan, sir? Willingly? Why would anyone do that?”

“That’s what our scouts wondered, which is why they reported what they’d seen. Since then, even more Tutrumese boats have paddled past our scouts, most likely heading to the same location. All in all, there are at least two hundred raiders inside the Ta’Gengan by now. And, what’s more, several boatloads of Tutrumese have returned from the Ta’Gengan.”

“So, they’re not dying?”

“Apparently.”

“Do we know what they are doing?”

“No, not in the least, which is why we are here. To figure out what the Tutrumese are up to in the Ta’Gengan. Have they learned something we don’t know? Have they found something of value that might give them an advantage against us? If so, we must learn what they have discovered.”

“Oh,” Thami said, suddenly feeling foolish.

“But right now, our numbers are too few to fight that many Tutrumese, and we are too many to sneak into the Ta’Gengan and spy on the enemy. That’s why we are forced to wait on the border of the cursed lands until reinforcements arrive. And when they do, we will engage the enemy. War between our nations will likely ensue. Many, many lives could be lost. But there might be another way…”

Commander Zahir tipped his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.

Thami let out a low moan as he guessed what his commander was suggesting. “So, you want me to be your spy? To enter the Ta’Gengan and learn what the Tutrumese are up to?”

“Exactly. From what I’ve said, you should now realize that entering the Ta’Gengan isn’t necessarily a death sentence. But the others in the squadron won’t know this. Which means, they should accept your assignment as adequate punishment for your failures as a soldier. And all I would need you to do is bring back useful information, information worthy of a pardon for your misconduct. You’d also need to bring back proof. Physical evidence that verifies whatever you report. That’s it.”

Thami leaned back. How was he supposed to do that with two hundred Tutrumese raiders wandering the Ta’Gengan? If they caught him, he’d undoubtedly be killed—probably after a fun little round of torturous interrogation. Life in prison sounded like a much better option.

“That’s…it…sir?” Thami said, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head. “Forgive me, but how’s that better than my other options?”

Zahir looked down again and picked at his nails. “Trust me, Thami, you’d rather be dead than live the rest of your days in the King’s prisons. I’ve seen what they can do to a man.” He rubbed his nose with the back of his hand and sniffed before finally looking up. “So…don’t be foolish, young man. I am offering you a chance, a second chance that’s not merited. Believe in yourself and you will find a way to succeed.”

Thami bit his lip and shook his head. His stomach swirled with nausea and his thoughts swirled with confusion. “I-I don’t know, sir. I just don’t know.”

“Well, you have four hours to figure it out. My decision is already past due. By sunrise, you must make your choice. Life in prison or the mission I have offered.”