Page 167 of The Infernal Battalion

“That’s different,” Marcus said. “I admit, at the beginning, I was... opposed to the idea. But the women in the Girls’ Own joined up because they wanted to defend Vordan when it was under attack.”

Or because it was the only way out of wherever they started, Winter thought. Or out of a marriage they hated, or away from a father who beat them. Or because they wanted an adventure. Or a hundred other reasons. But she remained silent.

“I understand that,” Marcus went on. “When your country is in danger, sometimes you have to do things that... aren’t usual. But you were in Khandar for three years before the Redemption, weren’t you? God, you must have been what, eighteen when you arrived?”

“Twenty,” Winter corrected.

“Why, then?”

“That’s the second part. The more important part.” Winter paused, gathering her courage. “I grew up in an institution. A school called Mrs. Wilmore’s Royal Benevolent Home for Wayward Youth.” From the way Marcus’ face went still, she knew he recognized the name. “It... wasn’t a good place, and I ran away. I wanted to get as far from there as I possibly could.” She shrugged. “I don’t know if I was in my right mind, to be honest. But the recruiting sergeants weren’t hard to trick, and Khandar is a hell of a long way from anywhere.” She let out a long breath. “Did Raesinia tell you how we got back to Vordan?”

“Only that it was difficult,” Marcus said quietly.

“Difficult is one word,” Winter said carefully. “We were stuck in a Murnskai port called Dimiotsk when Sothe found us. She had a ship all ready.”

“Yes, she did tell me that. Janus talked to her, somehow, and told her to go and get you. But—”

Winter held up a hand. “While we were aboard ship, Sothe and I talked. She told me about your parents.”

“Did she tell you,” Marcus grated, “that she killed them?”

“She did. She also told me she’d been looking for your little sister, Ellie.”

Another silence. Wood in the fireplace popped with a sound like a musket shot.

“Did you...?” Marcus’ voice was thick. “You were at Mrs. Wilmore’s. Did you know her?”

“Not exactly,” Winter said. “Marcus, she told me I am Ellie d’Ivoire.”

She watched his face pale by several shades, blood running out of it like his throat had been slashed. His eyes never left hers.

“You?” he said. “E-Ellie?”

“I don’t remember the name,” Winter said. “I don’t remember anything, really. Except fire.” She took the small notebook out of her pocket, held it in front of her like a peace offering. “This is the information Sothe copied from the Concordat archives. It’s... convincing.”

“But...” Marcus blinked.

“Look.” Winter shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know what to do with this any more than you do. I wasn’t sure whether I could tell you I was a woman, for God’s sake. I don’t know what this means, or how it affects us, but I just thought...” She paused for breath. “I thought you’d rather know than keep wondering.”

Abruptly, Marcus got to his feet. Winter stood, cautiously, eyes still on his pale face.

“Marcus?” she said. “Please say something.”

The last thing she was expecting was for him to lurch forward. At first she thought he was attacking her, mad as that sounded. By the time she realized he wanted an embrace, she was already twisting away, slipping under his outstretched arms, and backing rapidly against the wall. Her heart was pounding. Marcus looked at her, his arms falling to his sides.

“Sorry,” Winter said. “I’m sorry. You... surprised me.”

A log in the fireplace collapsed with a crackle. Marcus blinked, turned away, and left the room without a word.

*

A messenger found her not long afterward, and told her that General d’Ivoire was otherwise occupied for the evening, but would be available to see her tomorrow. In the meantime, the young ranker said, he would be happy to escort her to where the Second Division was being quartered.

“They’re here?” Winter said, her heart still slowing down. “In the palace?”

“The officers have quarters here,” the ranker said. “The rest are under canvas in the gardens.”

“Is Cyte—​is Captain Cytomandiclea here?”