Page 30 of Warrior’s Mate

The channel died. Maelis kept working. If she looked at him too soon, she thought she might see the exact moment his faith in command broke. She did not want to witness that while people were waiting for them.

A shelter alarm sounded.

"Which one?" she snapped.

"East market basement," a coordinator said. "Ventilation fault."

"Move them to Grain Hall Two."

"Main corridor is blocked."

"Use the freight tunnel."

"The doors are security locked."

Maelis turned to Kaiven. He understood before she spoke.

"Can you override military civil-defense locks?"

"Yes."

"Then congratulations. You're useful again."

They ran for the freight tunnel beneath the exchange's eastern loading dock. As they descended, another impact shook the building and sent dust sifting from the ceiling.

The tunnel doors were heavy composite panels designed to isolate fire and pressure failures. Kaiven connected his field terminal to the lock.

"Thirty seconds."

"We don't have thirty seconds."

"Do you want it open or fast?"

"Both."

He gave her a look.

"You're becoming demanding."

"Recognition has changed me."

His hands stopped for half a heartbeat. Even here, even with alarms and impacts and frightened civilians behind the wall, the word found him. Her humor vanished.

"Open the door, Kaiven."

He did. The panels separated. Warm, stale air rushed out, carrying the cries of children. Maelis stepped through first.

Kaiven caught her shoulder.

"No."

She spun. His grip loosened immediately, but he did not remove his hand.

"I need to clear it."

"You need to what?"

"Make sure the tunnel isn't compromised."