Rann said, "Will your people surrender now?"
Beudag did not move, not even her eyelids. "If Faolan is dead—yes."
"And if he's not?"
Beudag stiffened. Starke did too.
"Then," said Beudag quietly, "they'll wait."
"Until he is?"
"Or until they must surrender."
Rann nodded. To the guards she said, "See that this woman is well fed and well treated."
Beudag and her escort had turned to go when Starke said, "Wait." The guards looked at Rann, who nodded, and glanced quizzically at Starke. Starke said:
"Is Faolan dead?"