"We're heading up as far as we can and then we're on foot, dragging the horses behind us. We'll need them tethered and ready to flee. We'll go across the woods while they take the longer route on road. Come on."
"But what are we actually going to do?"
Jewd grinned tightly, mirthlessly. "Ambush," he replied. "It's our only chance."
Loethar arrived into Woodingdene not long after dawn. He was weary and he was glad the town was relatively quiet, yet to fully wake. He could smell food on the wind as people's morning fires were stoked, and oats being cooked and bread being baked. His belly rumbled in answer but he ignored it. He walked the equally tired horse up to the gates of the old mayor's residence.
"Stop," a guard said. "State your name and business."
Loethar knew his expression was one of bemusement. Had he really changed so much? This was a relatively young soldier, though, proudly bearing the blue tatua. Perhaps he'd never seen his ruler.
He slid off the horse and handed the young man the reins. "I am your emperor, boy. Where is General Stracker?"
The guard looked astonished, his expression coalescing into fright as his mouth opened and closed twice. It was obvious that he couldn't be sure of what was best to do, torn between following his orders but also not wishing to risk his emperor's wrath. Words failed him.
Loethar sighed. "Find your superior and be quick about it!"
The young guard yelled for his captain over his shoulder and Loethar was impressed that he hadn't turned tail to run and find someone. The young guard, finding his voice, apologized. "Forgive me, my lord, I shall have to ask you to wait here. May I take your horse, though?"
"What is your name?"
"Darly, my lord."
"I know I frighten you, Darly, and that's a good thing. But even better is your composure. I shall mention you to the head of the Blues."
The younger man bowed his head slightly, trying not to beam. "Thank you, my lord. Forgive us for keeping you waiting. I can tell you, though, that General Stracker is not here."
Loethar frowned. "Not here?"
Darly shook his head. "He left at first light, my lord."
"Headed where?"
"Er, perhaps you should talk to Captain Ison."
As if on cue, an older man approached, a senior member of the Greens, and Loethar saw the flare of recognition just a blink before the man halted and dropped a low bow. "Emperor Loethar, forgive us for not being ready to - "
"Captain Ison. It is no one's fault but my own for arriving unannounced." He could see Darly was even more surprised to have confirmation of his status and he was privately amused to realize that the youngster, despite his gracious approach, hadn't really trusted him. Good. "I'm here on urgent business with General Stracker but Darly here tells me I've missed him."
"He rode out at dawn, my lord, for Francham. He took Master Vulpan, Shorgan, three of our men and a stranger who arrived in town yesterday."
Loethar frowned. "Who is this stranger?"
Ison gave an expression of apology. "He was a priest. I'm sorry but I don't know anything more about him. I don't think he wanted to spend the night here, my lord, but Master Vulpan detained him."
"Is he Vested?"
"Most likely, my lord, although I don't know for sure. Can we offer some - "
"No, I must reach my brother quickly. I'll need a fresh horse, and perhaps some food in a small sack."
"Come, my lord, I will organize both. Darly, remain at your post."
Darly bowed. "Emperor," he murmured as Loethar walked by him.
A fresh horse, food, a long draft from the well and a chance to refresh his face from a pail of water and Loethar was on his way again, his hair still dripping from the dousing. His clothes remained dusty and he knew he looked disheveled but that had never troubled him; his tidy appearance was reserved for his palace. Suddenly he felt free again.
With a sense of anticipation, not dissimilar to how he had felt when he'd first set out with his marauding army toward the Denovian Set ten anni previous, he spurred his horse into a gallop toward the inevitable confrontation with his half-brother.
"This must be who he wants us to meet," Piven said, and Greven was obliged to catch up with him. He immediately strengthened the power surrounding Piven, even though his heart desperately wanted to let it drain completely. "I feel your despair, Greven. Stop fighting me. There