“Wanted for what?” I ask.

“For thievery and treason against the ruler of Rowansmark.”

Rachel sits up straight. “That’s a dirty lie! He never stole anything, and he wouldn’t commit treason, either.”

Oliver gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I know that. Everyone who knows him knows that.”

“He didn’t steal that package from Rowansmark. Someone gave it to him,” she says.

“I’m guessing whoever gave him that package is the one who committed treason,” I say. “It’s possible the Commander managed to bribe or coerce a citizen of Rowansmark into stealing it for him, intending to use Jared as the delivery person.”

“Except Dad got suspicious, figured out what was inside—”

“And had the integrity and courage to keep it from the Commander,” I say.

“But why not return it to Rowansmark if it belongs to them?” she asks.

Oliver shakes his head. “I don’t know, but James Rowan is doing everything in his power to get it back. There’s a reward posted. A year’s supply of wheat, a head of cattle, and a lifetime appointment to Rowansmark’s Military Council for whoever brings in your father. Alive.”

Rachel and I are silent as the absurd generosity of the reward sinks in.

“No one’s claimed the reward yet, so unless he got caught by the Cursed One, he’s alive.” Oliver gives Rachel’s shoulder one more squeeze and heaves himself to his feet. “Thought I’d make a trip out here to tell you that.” He picks up the water set before him and downs it in five long gulps. “Best be on my way. Don’t want to get caught out after dark.”

Rachel launches herself at his chest, clinging to him. “Not yet. We have something to tell you.”

He looks at me.

“We’re leaving the day after Claiming.” I stand, wrapping my arm around his shoulders and hoping he understands that though I don’t know how to show it, I understand I owe him my life. If he hadn’t quietly defied the Commander’s decree and befriended a dirty little street rat, I wouldn’t be a man worthy of calling people like Jared, Rachel, and Oliver family. “We’re traveling the Wasteland to find Jared. And we’re bringing you with us.”

“I’m too old for journeys across the Wasteland.” Oliver wraps one arm around my middle as well. “I’m proud of you both. Jared would be too. Remember that, and stay alive.”

“But you have to come with us!” Rachel’s eyes are damp.

“We aren’t coming back,” I say. “We trust that Jared’s reasons for not delivering the package to Baalboden are sound, so we won’t be giving the Commander what he wants. When we don’t come back, he’ll take our treason out on you.”

“How am I supposed to hike across all that wilderness looking for Jared? I’ll just slow you down.”

“There’s another group of highwaymen scheduled to trade tomorrow. You’ll go out to trade as usual, but you won’t come back.”

“The guards sweep the area with Identidiscs,” he says.

“I have tech that can block those. You usually bring a donkey out with you to carry supplies to and from the trading area, don’t you?” I ask.

He nods.

“This time, beneath your baked goods, pack clothing, food, a torch, and a weapon. Trade only for items you can use in the Wasteland. At the guards’ shift change, mingle with the highwaymen’s wagons, hand out baked goods to deflect suspicion if you have to, and then just walk right into the Wasteland. We’ll join you the next day.”

“That’s downright brazen.” Oliver’s smile is full of pride.

“It will work. It has to.” I clamp my hand on his shoulder. “You’ll be invisible on the Identidisc. You can ride the donkey across the Wasteland to make the journey easier. We’ll leave you at one of the safe houses until we find Jared. Then we can all build a new life together somewhere else.”

His dark eyes meet mine, calm and assessing. “Seems a lot of risk for you two to take just for one old man.”

“You’re family. We aren’t leaving without you.”

“If you stay, he’ll kill you.” Rachel’s voice breaks, and Oliver hauls her close.

“Don’t cry, Rachel-girl. I aim to be a great-granddaddy. If that takes riding an ass across a godforsaken wilderness, I guess that’s what I’ll do.”

“Thank you.” I slip a magnetic wrist cuff into his hand. “Wear that over your wristmark on trading day and the Identidisc won’t be able to find you.”

Oliver holds on to us both a moment longer, and then he’s gone. The cottage feels empty without him.

CHAPTER TWENTY

LOGAN

The Claiming ceremony is tomorrow. By this point, Oliver should be mingling with the traders, getting close to disappearing into the Wasteland to wait for us. I finish the last piece of equipment I need to cover every conceivable contingency for our mission. Need to evade another tracker? Not a problem. Guards refuse to be left behind? I can handle that. Rachel and I get separated? I can find her anywhere. The Commander double-crosses us?

I almost hope he tries.

I have every avenue covered, every plan fleshed out, every piece of technology working as it should. The sense of triumph I feel at having an edge on the Commander and any other tracker he employs to go after Jared is a vicious light burning within me.