The Great Hall of Xu Castle had erupted into chaos. All of the gathered officials were either shouting at each other, whispering in fear, or frozen with stunned sheepish looks planted upon their faces. Yohren had been surrounded by military men who demanded answers. Kaewyn could see him trying to answer them, but his words could not be heard above the commotion. Seneschal Talbury rushed up to him and began whispering something into his ear but even then, he had trouble hearing the words. Yohren looked completely overwhelmed as he was tugged to and fro by over-zealous military officials, his eyes begged for Kaewyn to intervene.

Kaewyn brushed aside the Seneschal and stood from the lord’s seat. “Enough!” He shouted in genuine anger and frustration. “Let him speak.”

Initially, the officials appeared to have either not heard him speak out, or they were simply ignoring his command. When Lord Sudrow quickly spoke out in support of his command, the officials then calmed down. Kaewyn nodded his appreciation to the visiting lord, who Kaewyn was certain only intervened as he was just as interested to know what was going on as the rest of them, rather than actually wanting to support him, but he was appreciative nonetheless.

“Yohren.” Kaewyn said as the officials begrudgingly returned to their positions. “This lord at our gates, does he have a name? Did he announce himself?”

“He did my lord. Said he was the son of the lord of Vinum Province, a Rhys Calli—”

“—Callidus.” Kaewyn finished for him. “Return to the gate and bring him here to council as quickly as you can Yohren.”

The dutiful young man with the large nose nodded his head obediently and left the Great Hall as quickly as his legs could take him. Kaewyn was happy to see that Captain Alaric left the line of military officials and accompanied Yohren to the gate. The Captain was in charge of the gates and with his help Yohren would not run into any issues.

“Young Lord Rhys Callidus comes to Xu Castle…” General Alaric said ponderously. “For what purpose?”

“Kaewyn’s new friend said that Lord Rhys mentioned invasion.” Seneschal Talbury said.

The officials began to get riled up again, but this time Kaewyn made sure to keep them under control. “There is no point in us speculating when we will have the answers shortly. I have not seen Rhys since his wedding ceremony early last year, but he has always been a close friend of mine. I am certain he will explain all to us.”

“He is the acting lord of Vinum Province now, much in the same way you are of our own Greystone Province.” Talbury explained.

“Yes, his father is also fighting in the Heartlands against the Great Traitor alongside Lord Corrhen.” General Alaric added. “He was left in charge in his father’s stead.”

Kaewyn’s feelings were mixed. Rhys was a childhood friend of his, and their fathers were as close as brothers. The two provinces they controlled were just as close. Many families that called one province home had relatives and other links in the other. Kaewyn had always known Rhys to be dutiful and responsible, and not one to idly abandon any tasks or duties he was expected to carry out. The fact that he was here and not in his home province, meant that he had left his lands without a lord. It gave him a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. Was there really a threat of invasion? From where and by whom? Then a terrible thought struck him. Had the Great Traitor’s army been victorious against the Coalition, and now coming for revenge? Kaewyn shook his head. He was breaking his own rule. He knew he would find out soon enough and that there was little point in speculation.

The ominous silence that had taken root was dispersed by gasps and quick breaths when Yohren and Captain Alaric re-emerged into the Great Hall. They hobbled through the open entrance with a silver clad figure propped up between the two of them. The awkward trio shuffled along the black carpet that ran the length of the Hall. Kaewyn immediately recognised his childhood friend and, seeing that he was potentially hurt, abandoned court protocols and rushed over to assist.

“Rhys!” Kaewyn said with worry. “Are you hurt? Do you require a physician?”

Rhys lifted his head and smiled back. “I will be fine Kaewyn, but it is truly good to see you again. It has been too long.”

The injured visitor forced himself to stand tall and pushed aside Yohren and Captain Alaric who had been supporting him. He looked Kaewyn directly in the eye with a seriousness that Kaewyn had never seen of his old friend in all the years he had known him. Without even a word, it was obvious that something terrible had happened. The visiting young lord was clad in heavy scaled armour with metal plates covering the shoulders and elbows. The sheath of the blade at his hip was coloured black and green which matched that of his long tattered and ripped cloak. His old friend was armed and armoured as if he was ready for battle, and Kaewyn keenly spotted scuff marks and smears of dirt and grime on his otherwise elegant armour. His golden hair was dishevelled and his left cheek was slightly purple and bruised.

“You look like the day we learned how to ride horses Rhys; you fell of half a hundred times. Tell me plainly, what has happened?” Kaewyn asked.

Lord Rhys shook his head with a defeated look upon his face. “The war.”

“The war?” Seneschal Talbury said.

“The war is far from here.” General Alaric explained. “And by our latest reports it goes well.”

“I am not speaking of the war in the Heartlands General.” Lord Rhys corrected. “Soon, there will be war here too, and everywhere else probably.”

“Speak boy, what has happened to make you appear so far from home in such condition?” Lord Sudrow demanded. “If there is danger, your duty is to warn us.”

“Very well,” Lord Rhys said softly. “but I must ask you to grant me a promise before I begin, that you will allow me to leave after I have given my message.”

Kaewyn cocked his head. “An odd request, but you have it.”

“Thank you Kaewyn, forgive me if you can.” Rhys then took a singular deep breath and began to speak. “I was sent here by Lord Severus. He has risen his banners and marches toward the Heartlands. As he rules the Southerly province of Oscua, the most direct route led straight through my province… Vinum Province. His forces came into our lands without warning, burning several villages and killing several parties of knights under my command. I attempted to parley with him but no response was forthcoming. Before we even had time to react, Varde Castle was besieged. My men and I did our best to hold strong, but when Lord Severus brought captured peasants outside our walls and began to execute them in front of us... my will quickly wavered. I ordered the gates opened and bent my knee to save my people. Lord Severus took my wife and sister hostage… and now I must fight as his vanguard with my men as he invades other provinces, or see them dead.”

“The bastard!” General Alaric spat. “He invades when all are away fighting the Great Traitor!”

“This is…. Unbelievable.” Seneschal Talbury said in bewilderment.

The rest of the officials began speaking amongst themselves, but Kaewyn could not hear them. He was having trouble hearing his own thoughts. His mind was racing with thoughts, actions, consequences, doubts, hopes and most prevalently, fear. He wanted his father to appear and take control as he always had, but he knew that the only people he could rely on were already with him.

“Lord Rhys, are you saying you’ve submitted to Lord Severus? Why would you then be here to warn us?” Lord Sudrow said angrily, snapping Kaewyn out his thoughts.

“Lord Severus allowed me to come and warn you, Kaewyn… Severus said… he said you must submit to him fully or Oakerton will be burned, and Xu Castle razed to the ground. He made an example of Vinum, but Greystone Province need not meet the same fate.”

Kaewyn could feel his hands shaking, but he erased all thoughts rushing through his mind and forced himself to speak, logically and calmly.

“How many troops does he have?” He asked.

“About fifteen hundred. Including my troops, closer to two thousand.”

“By the gods.” General Alaric said. “Even if Lord Corrhen and our troops in the Heartlands were here, we would not come close to matching those numbers.”

“I am sorry Kaewyn, but I must leave. Lord Severus will not take kindly to any delays.” Lord Rhys said with shame.

“Rhys, can you not stay? You have information we could use. Maybe we could resist him, send for help. Maybe even reclaim Vinum Province.” Kaewyn said.

“I have given you more than I should have already, but listen to me Kaewyn, Lord Severus plans to camp on the western shore of the Rau River, by the dense forests there. He expects you to present yourself within two days. If you do not come, he will assume you have chosen to resist, and begin a campaign of destruction, as he did in Vinum Province. If you resist, he will send in my troops first…”

“This is unacceptable.” General Alaric said. “When the Empire hears of this—”

“But they won’t General. Everyone important is off in the Heartlands, or preoccupied with the war. There’s no one to help us… besides one lord.” Seneschal Talbury gave a subtle nod toward Lord Sudrow

“Rhys… I cannot let you go back to Lord Severus, and in your condition. He could kill you.” Kaewyn explained, full of concern for his childhood friend.

“You promised me I would be able to leave Kaewyn.” Rhys replied with worry in his eyes. “Allow me to depart.”

“But considering the circumstances…”

“Do not break your word! If I do not return, my wife… my sister, they face the executioner’s axe, not to mention my troops and people.” Rhys begged as he fell to his knees. “Think of Camilla, Kaewyn. I know you care for her.”

Kaewyn sighed. He knew he could not deny his friend. Camilla was dear to him and he could not bear the thought of his actions causing her harm. “…Very well, I will not hold you against your will. You may leave.”

“My lord!” General Alaric strode forward and took him by the shoulder. “You cannot let him return now; he will fight against us as the enemy’s vanguard general. Holding him hostage denies Severus a clear advantage, he has enough advantages to begin with.”

“Kaewyn! For the sake our friendship, let me leave.” Rhys begged.

It made no matter, Kaewyn had already made up his mind. “I have spoken.”

The general grumbled loudly but refrained from further comment. Rhys was full of gratitude and remorse. Kaewyn knelt down and lifted his old friend up by his shoulders and met him with a smile.

“I wish we could have come together under more positive circumstances Rhys.” Kaewyn said with a sad smile. “Like we did as boys.”

“I had originally planned to come and visit Xu Castle in our father’s absence with my wife. I thought it might have been an experience for us to host a lavish feast as two young lords.” Rhys said with a chuckle. “Pity that isn’t like to happen now…”

“Don’t say that Rhys, anything is possible.” Kaewyn said warmly as he embraced his friend. “Go, return to your wife and take care.”

“I will take my leave then. Luck be with you Kaewyn, no matter what course you decide to take, remember that you and I will ever be friends.”

Kaewyn bid farewell to his childhood friend and then ordered a small escort of armed guards to accompany him on his way out of the province. With the on-going war in the Heartlands and now an impending invasion much closer to home, Kaewyn suspected bandits and other opportunistic scum would be prowling the forests.

An awkward silence settled into the Great Hall, with no one present quite confident enough to speak up and offer a suggestion. Kaewyn felt a strong sense of dread rising from within his stomach and the first thought that came to him was to send word to his father, Lord Corrhen.

“We should send word to my father immediately, perhaps… perhaps he can return in time.” Kaewyn said meekly, already knowing it was nigh impossible for his father to return before Severus’ army arrived.

“You know as well as I do Kaewyn, that simply is not possible. I sent a report to Lord Corrhen by messenger yesterday afternoon, that message is not likely to reach the lord by the end of the week.” Talbury Advised.

“Send a messenger anyway, he needs to know what is happening in Greystone Province.”

“As you wish my lord.”

“It appears we must look closer to home for the support we need. Perhaps our neighbours can support us.” Kaewyn explained. “Vinum Province and the Callidus family have always been our closest allies but we cannot rely on them now, at least not in the conventional sense. The Elentide family have a strong military and are close in proximity—”

“NO! The Elentide family are not to be trusted.” Shouted General Alaric vehemently, cutting him off. “They have ever been our rivals young lord. I am surprised they have not allied themselves with Severus and invaded our land already!”

“While I wish it were not so, the general speaks true Kaewyn.” Talbury explained solemnly. “The Elentide’s have never forgiven us for the Emperor’s decision to grant the disputed villages along the eastern river to your father. I doubt they would even hear us out.”

“Regardless…” Kaewyn said. “I think we should send messengers to all neighbouring provinces. We can request aid and notify them of what Severus has planned. At the very least it might give them the chance to prepare should Greystone Province be occupied…”

“It will be done my lord.”

Kaewyn paused a moment and then turned to face Lord Sudrow, who had become particularly quiet during their discussion. He wondered what the visiting lord had made of the situation and wanted to involve him in the conversation. Sudrow seemed anxious and avoided eye contact, it seemed as though he wanted nothing more than to be gone from sight. Kaewyn knew he had to convince the visiting lord to support them, it is what his father would have done.

“Lord Sudrow… I would have your opinion on this matter. Severus threatens your lands as well as ours. As neighbour to Greystone Province, I doubt you will be unaffected. Will you support us with troops if it comes to battle?” Kaewyn asked, hoping he would hear the answer he wished for.

Lord Sudrow had begun to visibly sweat, but he shook his head firmly and regained his composure as everyone’s eyes turned to him. “I must apologise, but I must refuse your request. I will not commit troops to battle against Lord Severus. If your father Lord Corrhen were here with his troops… then perhaps I might’ve seen differently.”

“What possible reason could you have to not aid us?” Kaewyn countered quickly. “We are neighbours and have always enjoyed positive and fruitful relations. I understand your fears, but you must at the very least give the decision more consideration.”

“I am truly sorry Kaewyn. I simply cannot do it. Lord Severus’ troops are renowned for their strict training and are many in number. Yours are inexperienced and too few.” Lord Sudrow explained. “Besides, Severus is my kin through my brother in law’s marriage to his aunt.”

“We will see if Severus considers you kin once we are defeated and your province stands alone against his armies.” Shouted General Alaric in frustration.

“All the same, I will not face him in battle. I plan to submit to him if he demands it, for the sake of my province and people. I will not choose battle.” Lord Sudrow stood and signalled for his sons to follow him, who slinked into view from the darker corners of the Great Hall. “I suggest you submit as well. You saw the Callidus boy and what happened to Vinum Province. Think of your people and bend the knee.”

Lord Sudrow nodded to his sons and began walking down the carpet towards the open end of the Great Hall. Every official, both military and civil watched the lord as he passed between the two lines of officials on his way. Kaewyn began to panic and stepped forward, he knew he had to say something, but the words caught in his throat.

“You swore an oath to the Emperor Lord Sudrow…have you forgotten?” Kaewyn said in desperation, eager to prevent them from leaving without promising the support Greystone province so desperately needed.

“Aye I did swear an oath, and other oath to my people as well. I cannot keep the one I made to the Emperor now, not while he is held captive, but I can keep the one I made to my people, and keep them safe from harm.”

Kaewyn was speechless. He could not fault the old lord’s logic but he knew without Sudrow’s aid their cause was grim. His knew his father would have convinced Sudrow to help, but he hadn’t the faintest idea on how to convince him to see it their way. He looked to his two advisors, the two men who his father had left behind to assist him as lord, but they seemed to be as lost as he was.

“Farewell Kaewyn. Luck be with you regardless of the choice you decide to make. Come my sons, we must make haste if we are to return home before the storm traps us in Greystone Province.”

The storm? Kaewyn suddenly remembered seeing the storm brewing on the horizon. Images flashed in his mind like thunder, of a time when he was little more than a small child. He was running along the castle walls during a particularly violent storm, climbing up onto the parapets. He remembered slipping several times but he always recovered. He was chasing someone, then being chased, then chasing again. He knew that they were not supposed to be out in the rain and wind, but it was fun and exciting. The game went on for a while, until he could not find the one whom he had been chasing anymore. The game stopped when he heard a sickening scream and panic-stricken shouting from the guards. It was dangerous during storms, not only could you not see particularly well, but they were deafening and impaired your hearing. The ground and floor were wet and slippery, and everyone preferred to stay indoors and huddle around fires. Someone could easily sneak up behind you without you ever hearing them.

As Sudrow and his sons departed the Great Hall, the officials erupted into chaos, snapping Kaewyn out of his thoughts and back to the present. Above the shouting and arguing, two voices stood out clearly amongst the others, that of the two lead men of both the civil and military officials.

“A coward reveals himself when luck turns for the worse.” General Alaric said with a snarl.

“Sudrow is no coward General. He is wise to submit. We should follow in his example.” Talbury suggested as he scratched at his small beard.

“You cannot be serious Talbury? You advise submission to the invaders?” General Alaric fumed. “Kaewyn would be thrown in a cell to rot, only to be used as a tool against Lord Corrhen.”

“Regrettable, but still preferable to having Oakerton and Xu Castle razed to the ground is it not? Kaewyn, you are acting lord, you must think of the people of Greystone first.” Talbury explained.

“Yes Kaewyn, I agree. Think of our people. If you listen to this… coward, they will be nothing more than slaves to Lord Severus’ ambitions! I would rather die in battle than face such a demeaning fate.” Said the General.

“And die you would General.” Said Seneschal Talbury with a wagging finger. “Then Greystone province will face even harsher treatment, as punishment for your resistance.”

The storm will arrive tonight…

“I see what you are Talbury. You only suggest submission because for you there will be no punishment. In fact, Severus may even reward you for convincing Kaewyn to surrender without a fight.”

“Preposterous! Education and learning have made your profession near obsolete, and that is why you have pushed for war and battle at every chance you get!”

“Sometimes war is necessary. Especially when cunning and learned men such as you rise to power and become tyrants”

“The Great Traitor rose to power with the threat of war and violence in the first place, how dare you liken that beast to me? Please Kaewyn, consider submitting to Severus to spare our people, or at the very least sending an emissary to appease him before he arrives.”

“You advocate blatant treason!” General Alaric shouted.

“You advocate blatant stupidity!” Talbury countered immediately.

“ENOUGH!” Kaewyn shouted in anger. He could not take the bickering any longer. “Enough, the both of you.”

After a short silence, Seneschal Talbury spoke up. “I am sorry young lord, I let the general get the better of me. But I must stand by my words, please consider my suggestion.”

“I will not apologise. I consider it my duty to speak out against traitorous advice. Do not submit my lord!” General Alaric spoke out. “While our troops are few in number, they are loyal to the Edderfield name. Send out word of our plight and someone will surely come to our aid. We can fortify Xu Castle and hold the walls. We will outlast them until relief arrives!”

The military officials cried out in support of the General, while the civil officials voiced their agreement with the Seneschal. The two factions became increasingly agitated and the situation quickly devolved into a shouting match, not unlike the squabble between the two scholars in the streets yesterday, Kaewyn realised. The only difference was that the Great Hall was filled with the most learned and experience men of the entire province of Greystone, whilst the street had been filled with bored drunks. The Great Hall had never seen such disorder, not in Kaewyn’s lifetime. He felt completely overwhelmed. He wanted nothing more than to see his father appear and end the dispute and put forth a plan of action, or even his brother Rahim. Both possessed an aura of command that Kaewyn had never been able to replicate.

Kaewyn attempted to regain control of the Great Hall by shouting himself, but no one was listening to him now. The only individual in the room who was listening to him, was Yohren. The large nosed man was watching him and gave him an awkward smile. The sight made Kaewyn chuckle and made him realise that at least one person was willing to listen to him. He signalled for Yohren to come over and told him that they were going to leave the Great Hall and speak outside. Yohren was initially confused, but he followed dutifully regardless. When a small group of officials released that Kaewyn was making for the exit, they rushed over and begged for him to support their chosen faction.

“I will not dishonour these halls by joining you in a shouting match. I will speak where I am heard. Come Yohren, let us go.” He said calmly.

Yohren nodded while the officials begged further and pleaded for him to stay, but he ignored them and continued on his way. General Alaric and Seneschal Talbury did not even notice his departure, and for that Kaewyn could not help but feel grateful. He always worked best when he could think calmly and in private. He had never done well under pressure. Kaewyn led Yohren out of the Great Hall and down the steps to the courtyard. Even here the officials could still be heard arguing. Yohren followed him toward a stairwell that led up onto the western wall, then they walked atop the wall north until they came to the north west tower. A guard bowed and opened the door into the structure. They climbed all the way to the top without a word, but Kaewyn could tell that Yohren was getting nervous. Atop the tower, there was a small table with some steel cups and what must have been a guard’s bottle of wine. Inspecting the bottle, Kaewyn could tell that it was cheap, but it was still wine. He filled the two cups and gestured for Yohren to drink. The two young men downed their mugs in a single attempt, then Kaewyn refilled their cups.

“You can see everything from up here Yohren. To the south you can see Oakerton and to the north can see the mountains that border the province, and currently, the storm that is fast approaching.” Kaewyn explained.

“It’s a beautiful sight Kaewyn, I can see like a bird could, but I don’t think I’ve ever been this high before. I feel a little bit wobbly in the legs.” Yohren said holding his hands out wide for balance. “I’ll stay nearer the centre if you don’t mind.”

Kaewyn smiled. “Not used to heights I see? I used to climb all over these towers as a child with my sister. Father and mother worried constantly that one of us would hurt ourselves… they forbade us from doing it, told the guards to stop us if they saw us climbing. But my older sister was stubborn, she took it as a challenge after we were banned from it.”

“I didn’t know you had a sister.” Yohren said in surprise. “Is she with your mother?”

Kaewyn went quiet. He had not spoken of her outside of his own mind since it had happened. Storms still brought back those memories as vividly as the night she fell. He could still hear the shouts of the guards and the frantic panic of his mother coming out into the rain and wind.

“Kaewyn?”

“Sorry.” Kaewyn replied. “I brought you here for a reason Yohren.”

“Oh?”

“You are uniquely placed. You have no affiliation with either the civil or military officials. Therefore, I can be certain that your opinion holds no bias.” Kaewyn explained before pausing. “I need you to tell me what you think of my plan to deal with Lord Severus and his army.”

“You, you have a plan then? Why are you asking for my opinion? I would have no idea even where to begin or anything like that.” Yohren stammered. “You would definitely be better off asking the General or Seneschal of such things than me.”

“They were not interested in listening, only pushing their own strategies.” Kaewyn explained. “Seneschal Talbury’s suggestion to submit or appease Lord Severus sounds wise initially, but that entire line of thought is dependent upon Lord Severus’ trustworthiness. Do you agree?”

“That makes sense, do you think you can trust his word?” Yohren asked.

Kaewyn smiled. “A great question. One that needs to be answered, but to answer it, we need to look to the past. When the Coalition of Lords rallied to go to war against the Great Traitor, they sent out a call to arms to every lord of the Empire. Many lords raised their armies and marched within a week or two, but Lord Severus refused the call, instead he remained in his home Province of Oscua and evidently, built up his troops in secret. We can see by this that he is using the war as an opportunity to expand his holdings and take advantage of the fact that our lands are emptied of fighting men and leadership. I do not believe we can trust his word, considering the circumstances. There is also the fact that he gave no warning and has treated Vinum Province very harshly, burning villages, harming peasants and taking Rhys’ family hostage. Which is why I believe that no, I do not think we can trust Lord Severus at all.”

“If we cannot trust his word, then that means we can’t submit to him, right?” Yohren guessed. “That leaves fighting.”

“Exactly Yohren. We cannot submit to him, and so we must fight Lord Severus instead. There is no other way.” Kaewyn confirmed.

“Seneschal Talbury will not be happy with your decision, but General Alaric will be pleased.” Yohren said.

“Perhaps less than you think. While Talbury suggested we submit, I also see several flaws in the General’s idea to fortify Xu Castle and wait for help.”

“Wait, are you saying that they are both wrong?”

“In a sense, listen Yohren. We can hold up in Xu Castle as the General suggests, but this castle is small. We could not shelter all of the inhabitants of Oakerton safely, and even if we could, our food stores would quickly disappear. That is not even considering the fact that with Lord Severus’ sheer numbers, he could probably overwhelm us if he ordered his troops to take the castle with ladders and siege towers. Lord Rhys mentioned to us that Severus has close to fifteen hundred to two thousand troops, all of which are better trained and equipped than our men. Furthermore, there is absolutely no guarantee that we would receive reinforcements from another province. Lord Sudrow has already given us his answer, and besides the Elentide family, Sudrow is the closest to us.”

“If that is the case, I don’t really know what else we can do Kaewyn. I thought you said you had a plan?” Yohren asked.

“I do.” Kaewyn said as he emptied the wine bottle and filled another two cups of wine. “The coming storm is the key to our success.”

“The storm?”

“Yes, the storm.” Kaewyn confirmed. “Let me explain. Every banner and flag in Xu Castle will be taken down and loaded into a wagon, then I will have Bailiff Mallis and the Oakerton Militia set up a camp closer to Lord Severus’ position with all those banners. I will order them to be as noisy as they possibly can for as long as they can, which shouldn’t be much different from how they act normally anyway.”

“What will this camp do? My home village had a militia… and they ran when the raiders came. I wouldn’t rely on them in battle.”

“Precisely, their purpose is to make Severus’ think we have set up all our forces in one location. If they are loud then his scouts will believe that our full number are positioned there and he will not know we are coming for his main camp.”

“Will his scouts fall for such a trick? It seems too simple.”

“Lord Severus is overconfident Yohren. He knows we lack troops and experience. He knows my father is not here to lead us, and he has just won victory in Vinum Province. He is so confident that we will submit or defend inside Xu Castle, that he has even told us through Lord Rhys exactly where he will be setting up his main camp…A critical error on his behalf.”

“I do not know these lands like my homelands, but he said… by the Rau River and the dense forests.” Yohren recalled.

“Precisely. The Rau River is a fast running river not easily crossed. It will be even worse when the storm hits tonight, and the dense forests on the opposite side will give us even more cover to approach during the storm. I have hunted in those forests all my life Yohren, I am confident we can use them to get close without being discovered.”

“This is starting to sound like a plan that could work Kaewyn! But what about his defences? Will his men not be prepared for such an assault?”

“Normally yes, but their army just won a victory in a province renowned for its famous wine stocks. I am absolutely certain that Severus would have pilfered some for himself, and for his troops as reward. He is not expecting an attack, I am hoping many of his men will be drunk, himself included if we are lucky. That is another reason why I want the militia to set up a diversionary camp, it will draw Severus’ focus. He will relax if he thinks he knows where we are and what we are doing.”

“if that is true maybe we do have a chance. I’m just worried though. He has so many troops and we have so few.” Said Yohren nervously.

“We have more than you think. Do you remember Arlan?” He asked.

“Arlan… the man on the white horse who spoke to us yesterday?”

“While obviously young, he had the bearing of a man who might become a valiant general one day. He reminds me of my brother Rahim.” Kaewyn said fondly. “I will go to him personally and ask for the volunteers to join us.”

“I hope they agree. We definitely need their help.” Yohren added.

“I have no doubts that he will help us if we ask it of him. Those volunteers have come because they want to fight the Great Traitor, Lord Severus not much different. He takes advantage of the chaos. The volunteer camp is full of men willing to fight for Greystone Province too. And while not all are soldiers, some bore the look of men with fighting experience. I do not doubt their courage, every one of them has come of their own will when they could have as easily remained home and ignored the call to arms.”

“Well, there were many men in the camp.” Yohren said as he nodded agreement. “Do you know how many volunteers there are?”

“Hmm, I am not sure to be honest. Even with the volunteers bolstering our number, we cannot hope to match the enemy in a pitched battle or siege, but we may have a chance at defeating Lord Severus in a surprise attack.”

“Well,” Yohren said without confidence. “I don’t know much about war and battle, but your plan sounds strong to me. Maybe you should check with the General and Seneschal to hear what they think of the plan. You did say your father left them here to help you.”

Kaewyn rolled his eyes and sighed. “I do not think they will approve, but you are probably right Yohren. They are my advisors; I should let them advise me… that being said, if they do not see reason, I may have to act without their blessing. Finish your cup and let us go.”

“Oi!” An angry and hoarse voice called out from the starts that they had climbed to the top of the tower. “That’s my wine you good for nothing thief!”

A burly man wearing guard’s chainmail emerged from the stairs and pointed accusingly at Yohren. He was upset and demanded answers. Yohren froze, unsure how to react to the guard’s angry words.

“Well!? Don’t just stand there like a fool without a tongue. That’s my wine you’ve been drinking and you’ll be payin—” The angry guardsman quietened immediately once he spotted Kaewyn, cup in one hand, empty bottle in the other. “Oh, I… ahh… milord I… Forget I said anything. If you wanted it, it is yours. Serves me right for leaving it unattended.”

Kaewyn smirked. “What is your name guardsman?

“Err… Sergeant Jothram of the second watch my lord.” The burly man replied with a hint of nervousness.

“Hmm… Sergeant Jothram. I will remember that name.”

The Sergeant looked completely horrified. His eyes dated side to side and his mouth opened agape in fear. He fell to his knees and begged. “My lord I am so sorry! I did not mean to disturb you, please forgive me!”

“Sergeant…” Kaewyn said flatly. “On your feet.”

Sergeant Jothram looked up at him sheepishly and did as he was asked. Yohren watched him with interest, and judging by his confused expression Kaewyn knew he was wondering where this was going.

Kaewyn walked over to the terrified Sergeant and said. “I will remember your name…” He paused, stretching out the moment a little longer. “…because I like to know the names of people I owe. In your case sergeant, a bottle of wine.”

A look of relief replaced one of dread on the Sergeant’s worried face. “Thank Ohnix, that is a relief. Uhm, I mean… wait! No, my lord. It is just a bottle of cheap swill, not at all worth your time fussing over.”

“I insist Sergeant Jothram. Now there is something I need for you to do for me. Go to the Great Hall and have General Alaric and the Seneschal meet us in the courtyard at once. If they are still arguing and pay you no mind… then tell them that I have come up with a plan, a plan to defeat Lord Severus and his army!”

“What army? Are we under attack?” The confused sergeant replied.

“Never you mind sergeant, just deliver my message to the officials.”

“Oh, ahhh, of course. At once my lord.” The Sergeant bowed and disappeared as quickly as he had appeared back down the steps of the tower.

“Kaewyn…” Yohren said quickly. “You purposely drew that out to make him squirm, didn’t you?”

Kaewyn felt a touch of embarrassment. No one had ever called him out on his penchant for deception. “…I might have, but no harm was done. I will get him another bottle. That is, if we survive Lord Severus and his army.”

“But for what reason? We did drink all of his wine. You didn’t have to torture him like that. I think he thought he was going to be demoted, or worse.”

“Relax Yohren, it was just a bit of harmless fun.” Kaewyn said as he laughed it off.

“I’m not sure he saw it that way, but I suppose you are right. Do you think the officials listen to your plan Kaewyn?” Yohren asked as the two of them began walking down the tower’s steps.

“Oh, I have no doubt that they will listen to what I have to say Yohren, whether or not they will hear it is another matter entirely. Come now, we should hurry down there, lest we keep them waiting. Time is now our most important resource and we would be wise to make good use of it.”