That same evening, after the prayers.

Using some of the money Rahman had provided them, Senna and her companion had lodged in separate rooms back in the 'Three Streaks'. They were now in the tavern's common room, discussing amidst the chattering of other visitors.

"So? What will you say about his offer?" Resna began. "Think it's a good idea to take it?"

"Why else would he have gone through such detailed precautions?" Senna retorted. "I believe he is going to at least offer us a hand to be one step closer to our common goal, which is what we have prayed for when we came here in the first place. Right? Now that the opportunity is at hand, you're slinking away?"

"Well... it's better to keep our options open."

"Really," she leant in, "and what option is left for discussion?"

"Has it occurred to you why he wanted to know how we were related? That bit could have worked to his advantage should he decide to hold one of us hostage. We are at the fringes of enemy domains, after all, and behind-the-scenes deals are not uncommon."

"Nonsense," Senna growled. "Indeed, in our belief it is not advisable for females to travel without the company of males who are not their sibling, father, or relative; and yes, we fit none of those categories. Rahman was just checking into that, in my view, with no strings attached."

"If such is the case, why did you agree to travel with me?"

"How would I know that we would've come across such a check, 'dear'? Besides, the others would have been busy ensuring that we don't lose our home base, not to mention a larger party than three would've attracted unnecessary attention; that would spoil our aims..." Senna squinted. "Hold on. Are you really an agent? You really should have known these bits better than me."

"Even agents come in grades, dear."

"Alright, maybe you should start picking your own informants now. Agents usually operate after dark, after all... or, if you like, pick some from these sundry types."

Resna scoffed. "You'd enjoy seeing me interview them one table after another, would you not?"

"I'm not really into espionage, sir, so I couldn't say much. Show me." She winked.

"D-darn you, Senna... to think you have this much shade..."

"What, never seen a female officer at work?"

He gulped and just as quickly finished his self-composure. "Alright, fine. We will rise to Rahman's summons. I'll decide what to do after that. Good?"

"So glad we could come to a definite understanding... but come to think of it, my dear, you still have much to learn..."

***

The next day, having followed the mayor's precautions almost to a letter, the two visitors found three others aside from the host. They were sitting on cushions arranged in a circular fashion when they entered.

"Some people with their own grievances, not so much different from yours," Rahman reasoned, starting by introducing the well-built bald suntanned figure with thin jet-black moustache to his far right.

"Adyan Samistra," said the mayor, "one of the best woodcutter in town. Thoroughly familiar with how the trades with Arenda are transacted."

Adyan nodded somberly in their direction. "At your service, folks," he said in a hoarse but otherwise friendly tone. "Don't you mind my rough hands; just part of the trade."

"His brother Adim," Rahman continued, pointing with his entire hand at the younger wiry figure beside the woodcutter, "onetime member of this town's militia. Has some knowledge on how Arenda's forces, especially in the land arm, are organized."

"Pleased to meet ones with similar interests," Adim returned, somewhat warily.

"And this good woman here," the mayor concluded, "is Qulsum. Friendly terms with the rest of our folks, might help at corners you don't expect."

"I am the mother of Ruwaida," she added, smiling despite the slightly wrinkled face shrouded in an azure veil. "I trust you have met her?"

"A most pleasant helping hand indeed, good lady," Senna responded, nodding at her. "Perchance, is the establishment also yours?"

"No, dear girl. We are relatively new tenants here, but whoever had owned it before must have paid decent attention to its cleanliness."

"And now," Adyan said, "your turn to explain yourselves."

"I am Senna Karistra, female aide to General Urdin of Hospodia," the officer said, "and this is my... comrade, Resna, who professes to have been an agent. Nice to meet you all."

A brief silence followed, before Adim whistled while tapping his own thigh.

"Someone to lead and someone to infiltrate. Looks like the mayor's made a wise pick this time around..."

"So," Resna cut in smoothly, not willing to be subjected to more random questions, "what is Arenda's position as of recently?"

"You may have heard during the course of your travels about our primary trade here," Adyan replied, "and it's simple enough. Twice a week, all the able-bodied males will gather up--yes, even the mayor--shoulder an ax or saw, then go woodcutting and bring the polished results to Arenda every quarter of the sol. The city's put voracious demands on that particular resource, you know... more so for ships than fuel, I heard it said once. I sometimes wonder why."

Senna and Resna exchanged knowing glances.

"Do you carry the resource yourselves? No helping hands from Arenda itself?"

The woodcutter shrugged, chuckling. "Why would they bother? In exchange, we are usually free from gate-inspections, going straight to their shipyards and back again, a few pouches richer. Decent work, if you ask me."

"Any chance the guards would keep track of your names?"

"Same as any other rounds," Adim joined. "The more often a face is seen, the lesser it gets noticed in the future. For that, you could say my brother here is quite the frequenter."

Adyan laughed heartily. "How could I not be noticed, with my build and all? But... I see the point. You two want to get there somehow?"

"One, perhaps," Senna corrected with a sly glance to her side. "A lady with logs is way beyond the norms... wouldn't you say?"

"Eh?! B-but with logs, I..."

Adim grinned. "Now, what's with that look, Sir Resna? Not up to the challenge? No worries, my brother can train you in no time. Oh, by the way... how long could you afford to be here, assuming your cover as Hospodian loyalists can stay safe?"

"'Can'? What do you mean?" Senna squinted. "You're on our side too, right?"

"Please do hear us out," Qulsum joined in gently. "We are on your side, yes. We just want to make sure our livelihood would not be menaced just for having you here. If you mean to help us out, we welcome it. Just, please be subtle."

"Fair enough," Resna replied. "Given we'd also have to consider the well-being of those within the neighboring city of Balaras... two weeks, at most. By then we expect to have infiltrated Arenda and done something to Mayor Varastra."

"Balaras?" Adim blinked. "Ah, now I remember. Our grandfather used to tell stories about a big campaign to raze that city. To think it's going to be reversed in just one generation..."

"What about you, Sir Adim? You're a onetime militia, surely you have something in mind about this upcoming operation?"

"Well... I'm not really sure. Why would you need a former militia in the first place?"

"Come on now, don't you get it?" his brother nudged him. "If you manage to get to their ranks, you'll be able to know what neither of us here could. Perhaps then you'll know why they're gobbling up wood faster than we can chop them, eh?"

"So in short, we'll be sending in two agents in place of one?"

"Why not? Two heads are way better than one."

"Experience-wise, though, Senna would be a wiser pick than me..."

"Oh, don't worry," Urdin's female aide responded with glee, "I'll find a way to get myself in. So, we are agreed?"

Each of Rahman's three other visitors expressed assent.

"My cooperation, meanwhile," Qulsum added, "would be to provide you both with lodgings while you are with us, correct? Not something I can't handle... just don't bicker too often."

Senna blushed. "I'll try my best to. Resna better be, as well!"

"While we're at it," Adyan said, holding up a hand, "think you can allow for at least three days' wait while I teach Sir Resna to handle logs more properly, perhaps put some muscle on those skinny arms?"

Resna looked at the woodcutter's arms, then his own; and whatever protest he would have lodged, evaporated almost instantly.

"Fair enough."