The stranger leaned over Adore inspecting the body. Beau could not see the man’s face because a hood from his dirty cloak covered his head. Beau and Julius eyed the man wearily, too afraid to move or say anything. Nisila remained bleeding on the ground beneath them, but they had no way of helping her on their own. Corin would have known what to do, but he was back at the holdfast. Beau and Julius were on their own.

There was a movement in the trees some yards ahead of them. A man came out nursing a wound on his leg. He looked shocked to see the boys sitting there in the dark. He made a move toward them, but the man with the crossbow stood up. The wounded warrior, recognizing the dark figure to be a member of the Brotherhood, turned to flee. The hooded man expertly loaded a quill and let the shot fly. There was a muffled thud, and the fleeing man fell to the ground.

The hooded man looked at his crossbow and saw that he was out of quills. He dropped the weapon and let the quiver slide from his shoulder. Throwing his hood back, he walked over to Beau and Julius, kneeling next to Nisila. Beau realized he had seen the man before. He was the stranger who sat in the hall drinking when he first met Nisila and Adore at the holdfast. The man motioned the boys away and gently turned Nisila over. She grunted as he laid her on her back. Her hands were wrapped tightly around the dagger in her stomach.

Nisila looked up and opened her eyes, nodding as she recognized the man. “Gavin…where is Adore, where are the others.”

“Adore is gone,” Gavin replied. “As for my brothers, all dead.” Gavin looked her over and shook his head, then scowled at the two boys. Beau saw the desperation in his eyes and did not like the look of him. He seemed to be working out some scheme to himself.

“It is over,” Gavin said. “Everyone is dead, and I am the last. We did our job, and you have your boy. Tell me how to collect the rest of the payment from Samus.”

“It is not over, not yet,” Nisila said, through clenched teeth. “You are to get us back to Morris Port and on a ship to Aiti.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” Gavin scoffed. “You are damn near cripple, and these two are practically babes. Am I to carry all three of you on my back? I can’t do it. I need that gold, It is on me to honor my brothers, their families will want to know what happened here, and many depend on that gold for the coming winter.”

Nisila laughed. “You take me for a fool, Gavin? I rode with you up here, and I marked you well. You would drink that money away in a week.”

Gavin glared at her and then looked at Beau and Julius as if he expected them to say something. “Damn you to the demon realm. I will be made whole, I sacrificed too much.” Gavin began searching her, grabbing the pouch upon her waist. Beau could not believe he would try to rob her while she was hurt.

“Leave her be,” Beau said.

“You are a thief and a coward, my father will have your head,” Julius shouted, but Gavin ignored them and ripped the pouch from Nisila’s belt. Beau and Julius tried to take it away from him, but he stood to his full height out of their reach.

“Get off me,” Gavin said, holding the pouch up in the air. Shadow-cry dived from above and snatched the purse out of his hand.

“Bloody beast!” Gavin spat. Nisila began to laugh as she lay on the ground. Gavin grew angry and grabbed her by her collar. Beau and Julius moved to help, but Nisila put up her hand to stop them. Gavin pulled her up to his face, his eyes filled with fury.

“Why should I not leave you three here to die,” He said.

“Do that, and you get nothing,” Nisila said. “Help us, and I will give you the full purse, I will convince Samus and vouch for you. Bind my wound, get me on my feet, and escort us out of here. You want a reward, then that is what I ask. What say you?” Gavin searched her face for a moment; he looked at Julius and Beau. Beau found it hard to look directly at him, but he knew they needed him, at least to help them back to the holdfast.

“My father, he can pay you silver,” Julius blurted out. “Get us back to the holdfast, and he will pay you, I swear it.”

Nisila eyed Julius and then turned to Gavin. “Julius is right, Milton would reward you for getting him back safely, I will vouch for your deeds here tonight. Help me get the prince to safety, and you will have the entire purse.” Gavin lowered his head as he considered his options.

“Why do I feel like I am going to regret this,” He mumbled.

“You will regret it if you leave us here to die,” Nisila said. “Put your sword toward an honorable deed, and help us.” Gavin went silent, and he shook his head as he weighed the offer. Beau was sure he would leave them behind.

“I will help you, but not out of honor,” Gavin said. “I expect the entire purse once I get you to Morris Port. As for you, your father better pays me for your pretty little hide or else.” Julius swallowed hard. Beau believed Gavin would harm them; he had never been around such a mean spirited man. Gavin was not an honorable knight or a dutiful soldier, but a cold-hearted sell-sword. Beau did not want to trust him, but they had little choice.

“We have wasted enough time,” Nisila said. “Remove the knife, bind my wound.”

Gavin took hold of the dagger, being careful not to move it. “On three then.” Nisila closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She stared at Gavin and nodded her head. She began to count, preparing herself for the pain. On one, Gavin removed the knife, and she clenched her teeth to muffle a scream.

“You bastard,” She snapped, holding her stomach. “I said on three, don’t you know your numbers.” Gavin pulled up her cloak to stanch the wound.

“You, boy, hold this down,” He said to Beau. He got up and went over to Adore. He removed something from around the dead man’s neck and tucked it away. He cut some strips out of Adore’s cloak and using the cloth, he bound Nisila’s wound and got her to her feet.

“Listen to me closely, little lords,” Gavin said. “Do you know where we are, can you lead us back to the holdfast?”

Beau looked about for a moment and then nodded. “We know the way. Home should be in that direction.”

“It better be,” Gavin said as he held Nisila up next to him. “You two lead, go slowly and quietly. We will be right behind you.” Beau led the way with Julius at his side. The forest was a place he played in, filled with everlasting memories of games and wonder. It was now the last place he wanted to be. Their path led them through the site of the ambush where several bodies lay prone on the cold ground. Beau tried his best to keep his eyes forward and not look at the dead men.

“Fear not, my prince,” Nisila said, her voice labored from her wound. “Do not look at those who have fallen. We will be safe soon, carry on.” Her words only reminded Beau that they were not safe. Every tree he walked by challenged his courage. Beau used to think the forest was a safe place, filled with singing birds and tiny critters. This night had changed that perception forever. It was now eerie and hid imaginary nightmares within their shadows that churned his guts into knots.

As they walked, every crunch or snap of their passing seemed like an alarm going off. Beau continued forward, making sure not to stray too far from his cousin’s side. Julius held his arm as they walked. Julius stopped when he felt Beau hesitate.

“Julius, I am afraid,” Beau whispered.

“I know, so I’m I,” Julius replied. “I think the danger has passed. We are the only ones in the woods now. We must be brave, Beau. We will be back with my father and Corin soon enough. We can then put all of this behind us for good.” Beau felt a hard bump on his back, and he nearly fell over. Gavin’s large shadow loomed over him.

“Are you two lost already?” He asked, glaring at them. “Why have you stopped? Keep moving. I won’t be murdered in these woods because of your foolishness.”

Nisila shoved Gavin angrily. “You do not speak to them like that, damn you. Beaumont, Julius, what is the matter? Are you lost?”

“No, we only needed a moment; it is this way,” Beau replied. “We won’t stop again.”

Julius swallowed nervously but nodded in agreement. “Yes, we continue straight as Beau says, we should be there soon. Maybe my father might have men in the woods looking for us…at least I hope.”

“Hope all you want, boy,” Gavin replied. “But lead on and lead true, I don’t fancy spending any more time in the open.” Reluctantly Beau made his way forward, praying that his cousin was right and that they were the only ones left in the woods. The trunks of the trees seemed to be an endless corridor of pillars as they reached a section of thick forest. On and on they went, but the ground was level, so the going was easy. Beau thought he heard something in the trees above. Looking up, he could no longer see the sky, only the blackness of the branches and leaves.

He thought maybe the sound was the breeze, though Shadow-cry could be tracking them as well. The raven likely had a better eye in the dark, and Beau was counting on it alerting them of any danger. Beau had a taste of battle, and he wanted no more parts of it. They could not get out of the forest quickly enough.

Beau became excited when Julius began to walk faster. They were getting near the Holdfast.

They suddenly emerged from the trees, and they could see the light of their home in the distance. Beau and Julius exchanged a look of relief and picked up their pace across the open field. Beau heard a curse and turned to see Gavin and Nisila hurrying up behind them.

“Careful, do not be so bold,” Gavin said. “We do not know the state of the place. Could be that enemies have already taken over your home.”

“All the more reason we should go, and as quickly as we can,” Julius said. “My father might need our help.”

“Fool, child,” Gavin spat. “You do not go heedlessly into danger. If we are captured or slain, what then?” Julius looked at the holdfast, with the lights dancing beyond the walls and then back at Gavin. Beau saw that his cousin was not convinced. He was near his father, and he wanted to be with him.

“I am afraid I will have to side with Gavin,” Nisila sighed. “We must approach carefully. We do not know what awaits us. Let us make for the grove over yonder, just near the back gate.” Beau thought that Julius would cry. His cousin looked to him for support, but Beau did not believe he would sway them. Beau looked to Nisila, and she was hurt, but steadfast. He decided he would trust her.

“I say we go with Nisila,” Beau said. “Let us make sure it is safe. We will find out soon enough.” Beau could see the disappointment in his cousin’s face. Julius shook his head and turned toward the grove, marching ahead of them. Beau felt as if he had betrayed him, and the guilt was like a lump in his throat.

“He will be fine, my prince,” Nisila whispered. “It is the safer course,” Gavin grunted and helped Nisila along as they headed to the grove of trees. They soon caught up to Julius, and they all walked into the shadow of the tall bushes. They moved just to the end of the tree line and crouched in the darkness.

The back of the holdfast was dark, but they could still see the glow of torches over the wall. Beau looked on, unsure of why they were waiting so long. People were there, likely his uncle and some men from surrounding farms. Maybe Julius was right; perhaps they should return to the safety of their home.

“What are we waiting for?” Julius asked, voicing Beau’s thoughts.

“Look there, how the torches burn,” Nisila pointed. “We know that folk are about, but what sort of folk is unknown. We will not know until we can get in and see what is what.” At that, Nisila looked at Gavin.

“What do you mean by we?” Gavin asked. “You expect me to go in there, don’t you? You would risk me and save yourselves. Send one of the boys.”

“They do not know how to go in stealth,” Nisila said. “That is a foolish idea. If you are too afraid then I will go, you can wait here and keep watch.” Gavin grumbled to himself. He remained watching the walls in a crouching position. As Nisila saw that he made no move to go, she began to get up.

“Stop, you’ll only leave a blood trail back to us,” Gavin snapped. “I’ll go, I am the only one capable, and of any use out of this merry bunch. If I am captured you three won’t be getting too far anyway.” Gavin removed his cloak and sword. He planted the sword into the dirt and pulled a long knife from his boot, inspecting the blade. Satisfied with the quality of his weapons, he placed the dagger in his belt and spun his sword in his hand.

With a last look of disgust at Nisila and the boys, he ran at a crouch toward the holdfast. He then disappeared into the shadows under the wall. Beau did not realize he was holding his breath and finally released it in a sigh of relief. He was anxious, but he could do nothing but wait. The holdfast was still standing, so that had to mean his people were safe. Without Milton and Corin, he and Julius had no one they could call family.

Nisila touched Beau on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. “He will be back.” However, Beau did not want Gavin to return. He wanted Corin or Milton to come in his place. Demons could take the sell-sword; there would be no love lost. He would make it a point to make his uncle aware of Gavin’s real character. He was helping them, but it came at a distasteful cost.

* * *

Gavin ran toward the holdfast and pressed his back against the cold stone wall. He waited for only a moment, listening for any movement beyond, but there were no sounds on the other side. Gavin knew what he was doing was suicide, yet he still found himself infiltrating a holdfast likely crawling with men who wanted to kill him. He always had horrible judgment. He lost all his brothers, including Adore, a man he considered a close friend.

Was the hope of gold and silver enough for him to also risk his own life? He could cut and run now, and they would never know he was gone. Adore would not approve; he would argue it was not honorable.

Honor cost Adore his life. He was face down in the middle of the wilderness, unburied and left as food for foxes and wild birds. Gavin was angry with his old friend. He was mad at all of the men who perished in the forest. They decided to die and leave him to carry the burden of Nisila and the boys on his own. It would seem the ones who should die, always lived, while the brave and honorable were sent to an early grave. He made up his mind. He would not sacrifice himself for Nisila and the brats.

His plan was to enter the holdfast and see what he could find out. If Milton lived, he would point him in the right direction and collect his silver. It would be more wealth than he currently had, and more than enough to keep him until the end of the winter.

The most important thing was getting clear of Nisila and the boy. Powerful men wanted the prince dead, and if Gavin was associated with them, death was sure to find him as well.

On the other hand, if the holdfast fell, then he would sneak off and make his way back to Morris Port to report to Samus. Maybe he might win a post on one of the southern keeps. The raids had grown scarce on the south-western borders. He could drink and sleep away the rest of the year in peace until he figured out what else to do with himself. He would be alive and kicking, with no risk of throwing away his life needlessly.

He swung around the wall, staying in the shadows. He could hear voices, but they were coming from the yard. The kitchen separated him from the yard, and he snuck toward the building. Peaking around the corner, he saw several torches planted in the mud and two men in black cloaks walking by. They left his line of sight as they crossed the yard, but they were not men he recognized.

Gavin found the back door of the kitchen but it was exposed, and sneaking in could get him captured. Though he was currently hidden, remaining here only increased his chances of running into someone. He decided to get indoors. If he was lucky, the men walking about would have checked the kitchen already.

He carefully tested the door. It was unlocked. He gently pushed it open, and the hinge sang as he made his way through. He peered inside the room and saw no movement. The air smelled of smoked meat, reminding him of how hungry he was. From a window overlooking the yard, he could hear men laughing and then cheering followed by applause. He stooped at the window just enough to see over the pane. In the yard, he finally recognized a few faces; farmers he saw when he first arrived at the holdfast. The farmers of Mount Hope were now on their knees, and Milton was being held up by two strangers in black as blood poured from his nose.

The strangers in the black cloaks all turned as someone approached through the gate. He was a tall man with long dark hair and a long leather coat over dark clothing. He carried himself differently than the others, with authority. As he came closer, Gavin saw that the man was missing an eye, which he covered with a patch. The one-eyed man went directly toward Milton.

* * *

Royce and his company arrived on the border of Mount Hope after two and a half days of hard riding. They set up camp in the woods, before starting their assault on the region. He split his men up in small squads, with Rudan leading one raiding party, and the other headed by Lebber and Tamin because they worked well together. Juvey and Duboi remained with him, and Samus.

They rode out late at night, raiding every farmhouse they came across in search of the prince and Nisila. He ordered his men to leave no witnesses. He paid Samus in gold for the men he provided, nearly twenty scoundrels in all. These sell-swords, in turn, were flush with plunder from the raiding.

“It is not uncommon that raiding parties from the southern regions attack villages in Hattan,” Samus explained. “Though they have never crossed the Arlem River and raided this far north, there is a first for everything. It would not be too difficult to convince the Minican’s that the Nordin tribes committed the raids.”

“Leaving no witnesses is much better insurance,” Royce argued. They rode through the night, cutting down any who would flee them, asking after a black-skinned prince from the Middle Islands. Few of the Mount Hope farmers knew that a place named the Middle Islands existed, but as far as anyone of dark skin, they all pointed to one place. Milton’s Holdfast.

Could it be the same Milton, brother to the queen, and knight marshal in Bohemond’s army, Royce wondered. He knew the man and had fought alongside him in the war against Rancine. Milton was a capable warrior but a sensitive man. He derived his rank from his sister’s marriage, and he always felt the need to prove himself. Milton lost more men than any other commander in the battles for Aiti. It would come as no surprise that the fool would name his holdfast after himself.

After many hours of raiding, they finally came to Milton’s holdfast. Royce was mounted under the shadows of the forest, watching as men walked through the gates, leading pack mules and horses. It looked as if they were preparing to leave. He saw no fighting men and the few women were too old to be any threat.

“What a run down Orc hole this is,” Samus said. He sat upon a black steed next to Royce. “Is this the sort of protection fit for a prince? I thought you said this boy was important.”

“A stronghold in a remote region like this defended with fighting men might have attracted too much attention,” Royce said. “The place looks defensible enough, though they hardly have any men to defend it. Very strange, indeed. Maybe the long years of peace have removed any memory of a threat. Maybe they believe Rancine has no mind for them.”

“And why should he?” Samus asked.

Duboi ever the cautious one shook his head in disagreement. “Could be the woman has already come and gone. Maybe they slipped past our net. It could also be a trap. I say we surround the place and secure the gates. We then gather them together, and see what is what.”

“Has Lebber and Tamin returned?” Royce asked.

“Here, me lord, awaiting orders, me lord of lords,” Lebber said mockingly.

Royce could not help but smile. “Shut up you imp. Circle around to the right, Tamin take your men to the left and await my signal. Juvey, Duboi, Samus. We charge the front gate.”

“If it makes no difference in the plan,” Samus said. “I prefer the right or left flank. I cannot risk being seen by any of the Brotherhood if they are inside.” He pulled a green scarf up over his nose to mask his face and rode off after Tamin.

“Very well, have it your way,” Royce said. “It makes no difference. But If it comes to a fight, can we depend on you to do your part?”

“Oh, trust me,” Samus said with a laugh. “I have no issue killing any of those stubborn fools. I am leaving Hattan, remember?” Royce smiled as he returned his focus to the front entrance of the holdfast.

“Well, brother, this is it,” Juvey said with a bright grin. “Just beyond those walls could be our salvation. Imagine the look upon your mother and sister’s faces when we return home to set them free.”

The thought brought joy to Royce’s heart. “Indeed, our final charge perhaps. Forward.” They began in a line at a slow trot, then Royce gave the order, and one of the sell-swords blew a hunting horn to signal Tamin and Lebber on the flanks. They broke out into a charge towards the front. Two men at the entrance ran into the holdfast once they saw the riders bearing down on them.

Royce held the gate and let the others ride into the yard to round up the people who remained within. Many of them fled past the stables and kitchen, seeking the side exits. Lebber and Tamin captured them quickly. Tamin and his men dismounted and broke into the main hall on the first floor to clear out the building. After a few minutes, they emerged with prisoners. One man, an older gentleman, dressed in bloodstained robes, was carried out and dropped on the ground. He was unconscious from a blow to the temple.

“Why did you fell this one so savagely?” Juvey asked, Tamin. “He looks to be an important fellow.”

Tamin tried to catch his breath. “Brokedown the door to his study, he was burning scrolls. Stuck a candle in a man’s face, nearly took his eye. He looks old, but he put up a hell of a fight. I was not expecting it, had to put my pommel to his temple. Sorry.”

“Looks like you cracked his skull open, brother,” Juvey said. “Let’s get them all together in the yard.” Royce remained at the gate watching anxiously as the people were being rounded up. There were no children. He saw his sister's faces flash through his mind and an image of his mother on her knees in the dirt, tears streaming down her face. Once again, fate had likely dealt him a lousy hand.

Juvey rode up to him, an apologetic look on his face. “Royce, I am sorry, but there are no children here. No sign of Nisila, but we will soon put them to the question once they are all rounded up.” There was a commotion in the back, and two sell-swords came crashing out of the hall. One man was bleeding from a stump that was once a hand, and the other dropped his sword to flee.

Juvey unsheathed his sword but Royce held him back. Duboi was already on foot to address the matter. Milton emerged donning a helm and breastplate, wielding a short sword with a shield, and bellowing like an animal.

Duboi pulled his long sword from his hip and stepped forward. “Look here…knight? put that down before you hurt yourself.” Milton cried out and charged him. Duboi easily evaded his attacks, lazily parrying any blows that came close. Around and around they went, with the men laughing. Duboi was toying with his adversary.

Duboi looked to Royce, asking if he had seen enough. Royce smiled and signaled him to end the duel. Milton was exhausted at this point, and as he charged at Duboi, he found his attack parried, resulting in Duboi landing a blow to his face. Milton fell backward, his shield and sword flopping out of his hands. The men raised a cheer and clapped for Duboi.

Tamin took hold of Duboi’s arm and raised it in the air. “To our victor, Grandfather’s Bane! Take a bow champion!”

Duboi kicked Tamin in the rear. “Pick him up you bloody fool. See to that poor bastard he maimed.” When they removed Milton’s helmet, Royce gasped. Juvey seeing his reaction turned to the old knight, but he did not recognize the man.

“What is it?” Juvey asked as Royce made his way to the knight. “You know that man?”

“I do know him,” Royce replied. “Follow my lead.” Juvey followed closely behind, taking Duboi by the arm and whispering into his ear when he got near. They both followed Royce as he went to address Milton. The knight marshal was being held up by Tamin and another man.

“Let go of him,” Royce ordered to a confused Tamin.

“Why? We just—” Royce slapped Tamin before he could finish his sentence.

“What was that for, I—” Juvey struck the youth again.

“Take him out back, and give him ten lashes,” Juvey ordered to Duboi, who grabbed hold of Tamin and dragged him away. “Give him another ten for insubordination and no rations for two days.” Royce looked at Juvey, but he only smiled and shrugged. Royce helped Milton to his feet.

“Get me a seat and some water,” Royce ordered the sell-sword on Milton’s other arm. “My lord marshal, are you alright?”

Milton looked about confused and then locked eyes with Royce, blinking several times as if he could not believe his eyes. “Wait, what is happening? I know you. Royce, that is your name. You are the son of, Sheena, the merchant, and trader. What are you doing here? I thought Rancine had you and your War-band hung.”

“No, my lord, we escaped,” Royce said with a bright white smile. “With help from the Strategist, my men and I survived to fight another day. A great tragedy has befallen us, and I need your help. Where is the prince?”

“The prince?” Milton said as he shook his head. “Oh god, Julius, Beaumont…they were lost today, we sent riders out to find them. How come you have attacked us in this fashion? What is the meaning of this? Your men have killed poor Corin.” Royce looked at the old man in the bloody white robes on the ground. He nodded to Juvey, and he ran over to pick the scholar up.

“An unfortunate misunderstanding, my lord,” Royce said. “I will have my healer see to him; we have a man outside the walls at our camp. I will also punish the man who harmed him.”

“I want him put to death,” Milton cried. “And it is to be done by my hand.”

“Yes, of course, lord marshal,” Royce replied. “Come sit, rest, have some water.”

“I don’t need a drink, boy,” Milton bellowed. “Tell me why you come here in this fashion. Why do you assault my stronghold.” Royce could have laughed out loud at Milton’s grandiosity, but he composed himself. He had to spin his lie, but he had to do it carefully. To his surprise it was clear Milton was not expecting them. It could mean Royce had arrived before Nasila.

“We are hunting a dangerous enemy,” Royce said. “An assassin, a woman. She murdered one of our most valuable men and discovered the prince's secret location. We feared that she might attempt to kidnap him and return to Rancine.”

Milton bit into his fist as if he was trying to hold back a cry. “I knew it. I warned Corin, and he would not listen. I knew that woman was false.”

He did meet Nisila and already he had doubts. Royce had to find out what happened to her and the prince. “If you doubted the woman, why did you trust her?”

“Why do you think?” Milton cried out. “She had the mark. Were you not given a mark from the Strategist? Let me see if it is of the same make.” Royce had no such item. It did answer another question he had over the years. He now knew why his own spies were never successful. He suspected the rebels were using special tokens or codes, but this information would be valuable going forward.

“Don’t you think we are way past that now?” Royce replied. “If the prince is with Nisila, then he is in grave danger. Tell me everything you know.”

Milton took a drink of water he did not want and then dashed the rest onto his face. “Yes, you are right. I am glad to see a familiar face from the old country. With your help and your men, we can find her easily. Julius and my nephew Beaumont, they left the holdfast to play, I suppose, as they always do. I told her not to worry but she and her band of men went out to look for them. She would not take her damn eye off him. Now it all makes sense. I bet her and those sell-swords planned to cut our throats once we were out in the wilderness.”

“Likely she would,” Royce said. “She is a nasty one that Nisila. She uses poison and black magic in her dealings. We have lost many brothers back home to her trickery. Please, do not be so hard on yourself; she has fooled many good spies. We will deal with her mercilessly. The prince is the priority—“

“My son is of the highest value,” Milton interrupted.

“Yes, of course, my lord,” Royce said with a bow. “What was the woman’s plan? Did she say where she would take the prince? How many men did she bring?”

“I counted maybe six men. She will ride hard to Morris Port and take a ship from there,” Milton said. “Help me to my feet. We have no time to waste.”

Royce helped him up, but would not let him go. “Yes, time is short. However, let my men see to you, I will prepare for us to begin our search. Sit for just a moment.” Milton nodded his head slowly and sat back down.

“It is a pleasure to be fighting alongside you again, lord marshal,” Royce said. “You were the brightest and wisest of all King Bohemond’s men.”

“It is a shame he did not see my brilliance,” Milton said. “He would be alive today If he followed my council and did things as I said. My sister was his only saving grace. Between you and me, the man was a fool. We have a chance to change things, you and I. I am glad you are here. Stick with me, boy, and maybe we can change the winds of the war back home. I have plans and great ideas that can—”

“Of course, lord marshal,” Royce said, cutting him off. “We will have plenty of time to discuss it on the road, let me fetch the healer and get you a horse.”

“I thought your healer was tending to Corin?” Milton said. “See to him first, I have but a swollen nose and a little headache, it is nothing. Point out the bastards who jumped me, and I promise it won’t go the same.”

“It was one man who bested you, lord marshal,” Royce said with a smile. “But I will have him dealt with as well.”

“It was a lucky strike,” Milton shouted as Royce walked away. “He should thank the sweat on my brow that entered my vision for his short-lived victory. I will see him low before we ride out.” Royce only nodded and kept walking away, motioning for Juvey to join him.

“That man is insufferable,” Royce said. “Nothing has changed since his days in Aiti. He is a rich fool.”

“A fool he is, but the best fool we have met in a long time,” Juvey said. “The woman is in Mount Hope, and she is here with the prince.” Royce smiled brightly because Juvey was right. The boy was within his reach, and he could hardly contain his excitement.

“Well, what is happening?” Samus asked as Royce and Juvey walked out of the holdfast. “Did you find the woman or the prince?”

“No, but they are near,” Royce said. “Has Rudan returned yet?”

“There has been no sign of him,” Samus said. “Maybe he captured her.”

“Maybe you are right, let us head out and join him,” Royce replied.

“What are we to do with Milton and his people?” Juvey asked. “Do you mean to take him with us?”

“Tamin, come here,” Royce called out to the youth, who approached sulking. “Cheer up boy, I am sorry I struck you.”

“It is nothing,” Tamin said sadly. “I wish you would have told me is all. I could have rolled with the strike, lessen the blow some. As for you, Juvey, you took advantage, and I’ll get you back for that.” Juvey laughed and clapped the boy on his back, before pulling him into a playful embrace.

“Don’t be upset, Tamin,” Royce said. “We know that the woman and the prince are here. Knife the old knight, execute the others, and burn everything. We are going, home son.” A bright smile came over the boy’s face, and he ran to complete his orders.

“And do a final sweep of the place,” Duboi shouted after him. “We don’t want any stragglers waiting us out.” Royce nodded at Duboi, always happy he was available to fill in the small, but essential points. Royce left the holdfast and retrieved his horse. It was a cold night, and the wind began to pick up. He pulled his cloak tightly around himself.

“It will be snow soon,” Samus said. “I can feel the cold burn my nostrils with every breath. I am glad we came prepared. Good thing you had me with you, Royce.” Royce smiled but did not respond. The man thought very highly of himself, always fishing for a compliment at any opportunity he could find. Finding Nisila would rid him of Samus, but he would have to go about it properly. The sell-swords outnumbered Royce and his men, and they would likely defend Samus. He turned his horse and made his way toward the east.

Looking into the darkness before him, he knew that the woman was out there. She was likely riding through the night with the boy right behind her and perhaps Milton’s son as well. She would probably not have it in her to leave the cousin behind. Her soft heart would cost her. As he rode, he heard a sound from the nearby woods, but he was not sure what to make of it. He took a breath and refocused himself. He had a prince to hunt down.