rider with the white flag was a courier, but that the rest were an escort loyal to the Princess. The courier meant to speak with the Princess and refused to settle for anyone else.
“It could be a trap. He might be willing to sacrifice himself in order to harm you. Reigns would rest far easier if you were no longer a threat to him.” Balinor cautioned as Em’risi descended the stair and made for the bridge at the breach in the wall.
“It could be, but what do I have to fear with you at my side? My bodyguard will be on the wall with his bow. He is a dead shot with that bow, but you probably knew that when you made him my bodyguard.” Em’risi only paused at a shiny plate attached to some craftsman’s door to inspect her appearance before going on.
“He will demand your surrender. He rides for Reigns so nothing he says can be trusted.” Balinor positioned his new helm at the same mirror after Em’risi had no need of it any longer. The helm didn’t fit as well as the old one lost in the battle the night of the escape, but the blacksmith in Keom had been able to make a reasonable facsimile of the old one.
“This is to be expected, but it also means that Reigns doesn’t think he can crush us easily if he is willing to bargain with us.” Em’risi was met by Raos and Elmet at the gate. She mounted the gray stallion while Balinor mounted the black brute that was snapping at his handlers. They rode out together to meet with the courier.
“Greetings my lady. I was unsure if I would be accorded the privilege of speaking with you in person. The messages that I carry are for your ears alone. Balinor may stay, but I desire privacy in this exchange. You have archers out of earshot on the wall that could make me look like a seamstress’ pin cushion should I make an untoward move.” The thin man sat his steed easily. Em’risi coolly listened while trying to take the measure of the man. His green eyes seemed to have a mischievous glint to them and the wavy hair looked like it was accustomed to being well kept, but hadn’t met a comb in days. He seemed entirely too comfortable considering how far behind enemy lines as he was.
“I would prefer that there be soldiers within a few feet of you at all times. Just in case you decide on anything rash.” Balinor found that he was having trouble maintaining his authoritative image when he had to constantly keep Elmet from misbehaving. He recalled that Aleest had ridden this same creature and it had been as gentle as a kitten.
“He speaks truthfully. Please retreat men. Just out of earshot.” Balinor also found that the full effect of his scowl was lost within the confines of the helm he wore when Em’risi ordered the surrounding horsemen back. However, he was able to spare a hand from controlling Elmet in order to loosen his great sword in its sheath meaningfully.
“My sincerest gratitude Princess. One can never be too sure what might be the result of carelessly spoken rumors.”
“Declare yourself and speak your business. You have your privacy.” Balinor glared down his nose at the courier who simply smiled back.
“I would prefer anonymity, but seeing as the circumstances demand my name, I will oblige. I am under captain Enthack. My mission is to deliver an ultimatum from the High Chancellor.”
“An ultimatum? Let me guess. Surrender or die. You will be crushed and forgotten otherwise. What say you Princess? Do we take his generous offer and live another day? It will take that long to build the hangman’s gibbet.” Balinor mocked the under captain who never lost that infuriating smile.
“Hush Balinor. We should first hear his offer before turning it down.” Em’risi nodded to Enthack who continued with a grin.
“General Balinor, you were nearly correct. The offer is this: Reigns is offering a full pardon in exchange for service in the army for the rest of one’s natural life. This offer is extended to all who are of a rank lower than major in the rebel forces. The imposter Princess will be held under house arrest for the remainder of her natural days and the rebel general known as Balinor is to be hanged until deemed dead for crimes against the crown.” Enthack began backing his horse up when Balinor drew his