Two serfs were dressing lord of Abeneewy, while he listened to reports and issued orders ceaselessly. Ymdaton noticed just how different were warsuits of Azytenisar and Sumiaton. It was just as expensive, consummately crafted, adorned with costly metals and gems, yet pleasing to the eye, its decoration subtle and simple. It did possess a feel of grandeur to it, yet it looked natural, made this way because the lord’s armour could not be different, not to show off.

More and more messengers were arriving, bringing news of the siege.

“Lake gates are completely annihilated,” reported one of them, “An unknown creature towering over all the surroundings, broke through and is now moving towards the city. The garrison of the gates was not able to stop it.”

“Find Sumiaton, tell him take his twenty five crews and prevent the advance of the giant,” knez smiled, although his eyes stayed serious, “I believe he is on the way already, but I want be sure. Also, I need Likhobor and his twenty five go there and assist the venator. Now, what of Belosten direction?”

“It appears that the enemy performed a sap. Earth came apart and a section of a wall collapsed. Foes are trying to launch an assault through the breach. Thy are held at bay by Abimnupal and his crews, but our brethren are heavily outnumbered,” told another runner. While he was talking, some kinani warriors entered the room.

“Azandahy, I will need your thousand men at Belosten gates,” said lord of Abeneewy to one of the newcomers, “Remaining kinani forces will also come with me to repel the assault.”

“You don’t mean to lead counterattack yourself, do you?” asked the pigeon face.

“Yes I do. Nine thousand foes breaking through fortifications are by far our gravest concern. I will see to it personally,” knez gave him a look which denied any argument.

“But…” pressed still Azandahy.

“That is my final word. I believe that my wife instructed you to babysit me again. But I am a warrior also, my place is on battlefield. I will not command from some safe mudhole, while my men are spending their lives.”

A crewman entered the chambers and stood at the doors, eyeing Azytenisar.

“Do speak your message,” knez noticed him pretty soon.

“My name is Sylnoam, I am member of second crew,” said the warrior.

“I remember you, proceed.”

“My lord, with all due respect, I would like you to prove your identity, using the gemmed shield.”

“You are in no position to demand such things,” Azytenisar’s face darkened.

“I believe, I am,” the crewman was not frightened at all, “Because I’ve just rode from southern gates where I saw you ordering Azumas to open them and lead his thousand man outside, attacking enemy camp. He is fooling you at the moment,” he smiled confusedly, “Trying to buy time and check if the suicidal idea indeed came from our lord. Everybody knows the nature of that gemstone and how only with Abeneewy blood it is revealed. So show us, please.”

Azytenisar, who was now fully armed, put his shield on the table. He unsheathed his dagger and sliced his palm, letting a drop of blood fall upon the massive gem that was embedded in the center of the shield. Everyone in the room was watching the process silently, tension could be felt in the air. The life fluid hissed and boiled upon the touch, evaporating from the surface of the jewel.

“So we got a doppelganger,” said knez. Some present men let ought sighs of relief, “I need a volunteer to rid me of this problem. A single one,” he scanned present warriors with a look.

No one answered.

“Azandahy? You would be perfect,” said lord of Abeneewy. The pigeon face was silent, he turned his gaze to the side.

“Won't let me out of your sight, thought so. Anybody else? Of High Crew preferably.”

“Send a squad to eliminate him. Why order away your most valuable blades at the time like this,” said Hasdruhy.

“You do not understand,” shook his head Azytenisar, “Executing a thing which wears my face publically would cause disturbance among troops. I don’t need ridiculous rumours spreading during the siege. I need my warriors to be resolute. That is why this problem should be resolved in a most subtle way.”

Still no one agreed to go. Ymdaton looked at warriors around him and read upon their faces that no one would go willingly.

“I will do it,” said he suddenly. Everyone threw surprised glances at him. Even Azytenisar raised a brow.

“But remember, least possible witnesses,” told him knez.

Crewslayer nodded.

“Everyone, be on your way. We are to win this war, no matter what tricks our enemies employ!” proclaimed Azytenisar and left the room, rest of the meeting followed him.

Sun only barely showed above the horizon, yet thanks to the snow that covered everything, it was quite bright around. Fields and pastures around the city were generally flat. As Ymdaton rode to his destination upon a bakhmat, he could gaze far away into the whitened domain. The blizzard ceased everywhere except close to the lake road. There was a small piece of land where the snowfall raged still. It was a weird occurrence and even more so considering that there were no clouds left on the sky.

Crewslayer was speeding in the different direction, so at first he did not notice that the storm was moving. But soon it became apparent to him that the blizzard was slowly advancing towards the city. Some league away of it a force of warriors was visible. Troops were maneuvering in a way which would not bring them into the storm, yet staying between it and the walls of the town.

The longer he looked at the snowfall, the weirder shadows he could see inside. He cursed his imagination and pressed on. But the next time he glanced towards the lake road, he saw clearly that there was something moving inside the whirling whiteness. It had a humanoid silhouette and was slowly walking towards the city.

Either it was following the storm, or the storm was following it, for neither of them outpaced each other. The thing was immense. Even being obscured by the whiteout, it was still visible from such a distance. Crewslayer stretched one arm forward, between his eyes and the figure in the distance. By his rough estimations it was the size of a small mountain.

A white foot came closer to the edge of the storm and flattened farmer’s house which happened to be in its path. Ymdaton felt the urge to turn his steed and go assist the troops battling that magnificent enemy. That was going to be the fight worthy of legends, his heart quickened, when he thought about it.

But then there were orders.

The thing made several more steps and suddenly submerged knee-deep into the ground. A wail of pain rolled through the fields, louder than any horn. Troops began firing at it their bows and slings. Sumiaton would deal with the giant, thought Crewslayer. He let a deep sigh out, calming himself. His mission was not there. He urged his mount to gallop faster.

Upon arriving to the camp, Ymdaton headed straight to Azumas' tent. Kinani commander was discussing something with two other crewmen.

“Behold our reinforcements,” grinned the commander. His good mood fel fake.

“I need to speak to you in private,” told Ymdaton, eyeing other warriors.

“These are my most trusted advisors and friends, they can hear whatever I hear.”

“Fine,” shrugged his shoulders Ymdaton, “But I warn you against telling anyone what I will say now. Lord Azytenisar, who resides in your camp is a false one. I saw the true one prove himself upon the gem. Yours is a doppelganger,” he expected surprised gasps, but none came.

“I suspected something like this,” said Azumas calmly, “However, how do I know that you are not a shapeshifter as well, who seeks to eliminate the true Azytenisar?”

Ymdaton was taken aback for a moment.

“Well, besides trusting a fellow member of High Crew?” he chuckled, but the other three men were not fond of the joke, “Bring in a cat, I’ll show you.”

There was an expression of annoyance on Azumas’ face.

“I heard about this belief of forest dwellers. A cat can not be fooled by forest spirits,” said one of advisors.

“Provided this is more than a superstition, where do you expect me to find a cat in the war camp?” asked the commander.

“Those are drevlyani under you command. Someone brought a pet along, I guarantee,” smiled Ymdaton.

“I’ll go ask militiamen,” proposed an advisor. The commander noded.

Less than a quarter of an hour passed, before he returned with a fat red and white cat in his hands. Crewslayer took it from the warrior and brushed it under the chin. The animal purred and closed its eyes in a display of pleasure. Ymdaton glanced at Azumas.

“Fine, I believe you,” said the commander, “True lord Azytenisar should have given the orders concerning this pretender. Tell me.”

“I will go and gut him,” told Crewslayer, “Distract your people, so no one sees me murdering it. This occurrence is to be kept in secret. When I am done, tell the troops that knez departed to lead counterattack at Belosten road.”

“Are you sure you can do it alone?” squinted his eyes the commander.

“Yes.”

“I hope you know what you are doing,” Azumas turned to his advisors, “I want all the guards to be called away from the tent of knez. Also order militia to beat drums. All the drums that they have. Tell it is a signal to crewmen in the city,” he gazed at Ymdaton, “Who knows what a spawn hides under the guise of our master. Be careful, stars are with you.”