Chapter 154

THE MEETING CONTINUED LATE INTO the evening. When Elena and Yakov bade the group goodnight, she led the way to her quarters. Yakov took a seat at the low table. 'What do we still have to plan and do?'

A sharp twinge of pain made Elena close her eyes for a moment and rub a thumb firmly over her temple to dispel the headache. Opening her eyes, she found Yakov regarding her with a tender expression and he stood, embracing her. 'Not long, Ellie, then this craziness will be over. For good.'

She allowed him to guide her to a seat and watched as he made a fresh pot of tea. The fragrant leaf swirled in the cup of steaming water, and the first crisp, sweet taste had the tension in her back and neck melting away.

'Thank you,' she smiled gratefully at him. 'Now, left to organize is any capable, gifted metal workers. We need them here tomorrow to finish the armour for the Cavalry and Guard. Oh, and Rashid will likely want members of the Guard fetched from various areas.'

Yakov began noting the