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Elodi shivered in the shadow of Archonholm’s towers. The sun bid its farewell, sinking behind the Caerwals a few minutes earlier with each passing day as autumn approached. She turned and looked down to the dark edge of the Foranfae. Any other forest would have been cut well back from the road to prevent an enemy advance going unseen until too late. But none dared to raise an axe against the ancient trees. Could the Ul-dalak and warlocks approach the city through the forest? Did the Nym still possess the power to oppose them?

Her gaze rose over the trees. Following practice, she could now see the spire of the Neverdor Tower in clear detail using her farsight. But beyond that, her vision would blur as she tried to find the town of Vinlayn in the heart of Gwelayn’s vineyards. All seemed peaceful on Kernlow's border, but it was far to the north in her own realm where she longed to look. While the dispatches coming from Seransea and across Noor confirmed no signs of an incursion, Elodi remained on edge. She knew the enemy would eventually come south. And when they did, she knew it would be fast, ruthless, and in numbers they had not yet seen on the field of battle. And from Nyomae’s assessment, Elodi grew impatient to strike quickly. But as yet, she was not certain whether her pleas to the Castellan had even reached Kernlow’s Council.

Elodi placed her hands on the cool balustrade and waited for her head to settle and normal vision to return. Nyomae assured her that with time, she would be able to move in and out of farsight with barely a blink, but that day had not yet come. Elodi had hoped to spend the evening with Toryn, but he was occupied with preparations for the Amayan quest.

A light flickered behind her. Elodi turned to see wardens lighting the first torches lining the walls. Wishing to stay out of sight of the walkers enjoying the evening air, she strolled towards the quieter East Terrace. As she rounded the bend, movement on the road below caught her eye. Elodi watched, captivated by a majestic white horse and skilled rider galloping at speed towards Archonholm. At first, she wondered if it could be an Amayan. Yet, this rider wore a hooded cloak, which to Elodi's knowledge, was not the preferred attire of the warrior maidens. Intrigued, she decided to pay Sea Mist an overdue visit, hoping to encounter the new arrival at the stables. If the rider was here on business with Kernlow, she might not get another chance to meet them.

Sea Mist was stabled close to the stalls offered to travelers. Elodi hoped to meet the rider before the Castellan’s men arrived to question the visitor. She entered the stables, nodding to the grooms taking their rest after mucking out. The rider had yet to arrive, giving her time to see her horse. She rubbed his neck. ‘Sorry, Misty. I know, I know. It’s been a few days. But I promise I’ll take you out soon, hopefully tomorrow.’

The clatter of hooves on the cobbles caught her attention. Elodi patted Sea Mist’s nose. ‘Be good for me, boy.’ She turned, feeling guilty for leaving him so soon, but she felt the need to speak to the new arrival. At the entrance, a tall figure led a sweating, but proud beast through the gate. The hood concealed the rider’s face, but the belt carried a fine sword that demanded both strength and skill to use. Elodi approached the traveler. ‘That is one fine stallion. Please, what do you call him?’

The rider threw back a hood to reveal the weary face of a woman who had spent many days on the open road. She brushed her long, dark hair from her face. ‘This beauty is called Warrior.’ The woman extended her hand. ‘I am Amyndra. And who might you be?’

Elodi clasped the hand, noting the strong grip of a swordmaster. ‘Lady Harlyn. And I’m pleased to make the acquaintance of a rider who can handle such a beast as Warrior.’

‘Lady Harlyn?’ She dropped to one knee and bowed her head. ‘Then I must apologize for not recognizing you… ma’am.’

‘Please. There is no need. Do not feel you have to follow protocol. I have long since dispensed with such customs.'

‘Thank you, ma’am.’ Amyndra attempted an ungainly curtsy.

Elodi helped her up. ‘Again. Not necessary.’

Amyndra laughed. ‘Thank you. As you can probably tell, I’m not familiar with such rituals.’

Elodi smiled. ‘I assume you’re more accustomed with the ways of the sword, and… judging by the number of scars on your arm, a veteran of numerous conflicts.’

‘Now there you would be right, ma’am. From an early age I held a sword. It was a necessity where I grew up. And may I say we were shocked and dismayed to hear of the fall of Calerdorn.’

Elodi’s chest tightened. ‘It was like a dagger to my heart. But I have sworn a vow, with every fiber of my body, I will take my city back.’ The torches behind burst into flames as the grooms completed their last task for the evening.

Amyndra beamed. ‘Ah, but of course. Now I see your red hair in the light, I would have known you right away, Lady Harlyn. The returning spearmen of Ruan speak most highly of you. And all in my company are in no doubt that you will be back in Calerdorn before the year is out.’

‘That is kind of you to say. And that would be my desire. As for you... am I right to assume you were raised in Lunn, close to the border with Nordruuk perhaps?’

‘Yes, ma’am. Although dragged up would be closer to the mark. I was born in Lunn, north of the Lind River, or the Last River as those to the south call it. And unlucky enough to live in the shadow of Fort Lindmar. That is, when the sun can be asked to show her yellow face up there.’ Amyndra stroked Warrior’s neck. ‘Not the most welcoming place for a child, but, as my father used to say, the harsher the upbringing, the stronger the adult. Err… don’t get me wrong, ma’am. My father was not cruel. He was kind when he had the chance. But my mother died when I was still but a child, and my father was both a sheep farmer and head of the local militia.’

Elodi ran her hand down Warrior’s strong back. ‘I’m curious, Amyndra. When you introduced yourself, you did not mention your realm. And now in the torchlight, while I see you’re wearing the colors of Broon, I note the absence of Nordryn's crest upon your arm.’

‘Ah, yes. I…’ she looked about her. ‘I am not sure if I…’

Elodi glanced behind. ‘Please, be at ease. The fact you shun Nordryn’s colors tells me much… much to the good. I am… was a close friend of Bardon, and in my mind, he remains the true Lord Broon until proven otherwise.’

Amyndra exhaled. ‘Then perhaps you could advise me. I have a delicate matter to raise with the Council of Archonholm. But I’m a soldier and not one for words, so I’m unsure of how best to present my case.’

‘You do yourself down, Amyndra, I would say you’re a better speaker than many who claim to be such. I would be happy to help. And I am also keen to hear of—’

An Archonian knight led his horse through the entrance. He nodded. ‘Ma’am. A fine, if chilly evening for a canter perhaps?’

Elodi smiled. ‘I may well be tempted, Captain.’ He took the horse to the trough nearby. She turned back to Amyndra, aware the captain could hear her words. ‘I’ll arrange for a groom to give Warrior a thorough rub down and ensure he is well attended. Then perhaps you would like to accompany me on a walk on the high terraces. The views make it worth enduring the long road from the north. And’ — she glanced up — ‘I believe the half-moon will be bright enough to paint the Caerwals silver. That is a sight not to be missed.’ The knight headed off to the stalls. Elodi whispered. ‘We may talk more freely up there as the evening chill will send many below for a warm cup of mead. And it will allow us some time together before the Castellan’s aides come for you.’

‘That would be welcome, ma’am.’

‘Come, let me see if Warrior can be stabled next to Sea Mist, my horse. I believe they will enjoy each other's company. Perhaps tomorrow we could ride together out west.’

As Elodi had predicted, most of the evening strollers had abandoned the terrace for the comfort of the halls below. She led Amyndra towards the spot where she had stood with Bardon on her first visit. She spoke, keeping one eye over her shoulder. ‘Over there, we can evade the ears of the Castellan. I remain suspicious that conversations in my room are not as private as I’d wish. I suspect there may be hidden ducts that carry voices beyond my walls.’

Amyndra’s face shone silver in the moonlight. Her mouth dropped open as they rounded the bend and approached the balustrade. ‘Now that's a sight not to be missed. I’ve spent much of my service in the evening shadow of the Kolossos, but these mountains… it looks as if the gods built a fortress.’

Elodi smiled, recalling her first reaction. ‘Hence the name. But it’s a pity they did not see fit to locate it farther north.’

‘A pity indeed. It would have made life much easier.’ Amyndra staggered and grabbed the stone railing. ‘Oh my. And that must be the famous gorge. I had not thought it would be so deep, and the walls of Archonholm so high.’

‘Ah yes. I should have forewarned you. It does take one’s breath away.’ Amyndra steadied herself. She stood tall, planting her feet as if poised for a fight. Elodi checked the terrace. ‘To business. Please, rest assured, your words will not be heard beyond our ears should you wish to keep it so.’

Amyndra let out a long sigh. She stepped forward and grasped Elodi’s hand. ‘That brings me much relief. I know I can trust the word of Lady Harlyn.’ She looked down at her hand and released her grip. ‘Again, apologies. I did not mean to encroach on your—’

‘Not at all. Now, if you are at ease, please explain the purpose of your visit. I assume it must be an urgent matter to warrant the long journey south.’

‘That it is. We have long since lost trust in our messenger birds, but that is another story.’ She took a breath. ‘Lady Harlyn, I and many of my fellow captains find ourselves in a bit of a quandary. But let me first tell you a few things about myself. I am a captain in one of Broon’s elite divisions. I command a force of four hundred, comprising of knights, spears, and foot soldiers who remain loyal to the true Lord Broon. But I should make it clear that I'm not here in an official capacity. In fact, if Nordryn… ah, forgive me, I cannot refer to him as Lord, but if he discovers I am here, my life would be forfeit. I have come, with the knowledge and blessing of my fellow captains and those under my immediate command.' She turned her back on the mountains. 'I wish to petition Lord Kernlow for aid. I had no option but to ride south as Nordryn is in possession of Broon’s birds. But now I’m here... I am uncertain how he will perceive such an unconventional approach, and one that could condemn me and my soldiers to be branded as traitors to Broon.’

Elodi let out a long sigh. ‘Then I fear to inform you, Lord Kernlow is a stickler for correct procedure. Even I have found it difficult to get an audience with him.’

‘You? A leader of a realm? Then what chance do I, a mere captain, have?’

‘Then tell me the nature of your petition and perhaps I can help you. Events move fast, while Lord Kernlow moves slowly. The more information I possess, the better my chances of encouraging Kernlow to change course. It has been the lack of reports from the north that concerns me.’

Amyndra’s jaw clenched. ‘Then I also fear to inform you that Nordryn has invited six Ruuk clans into Lunn. Those in Keld who objected were removed from their posts and banished from the city.’

Elodi sighed. ‘Alas, then my distrust of Nordryn is not unfounded. Where have they settled, and in what numbers?’

‘It began as soon as he took office. At first, the clans were given land in the region of Lumreek Marsh, and in the towns of Breck and Dunmor. Nordryn convinced the local people that this was to bolster defenses, and the clans could be relied upon for support. As you may be aware, Lumreek is not for those seeking comfort.’ She laughed. ‘Even by Lunn standards it’s a harsh region. Harsher still now we hear rumors of the marsh freezing for the first time in living memory.’

Elodi shivered. 'Then I wonder if the same is true of Mawlgrim Mire? Long have they provided a crucial line of defense against Nordruuk. And what of the people of Lumreek?’

‘Many were originally from Ruuk clans of Nordryn’s descent. They have lived there in peace for many generations and been loyal to Broon. Those in Keld were only too happy to have them serve as a shield against what they feared to be the more hostile Ruuk farther north. And not forgetting the fearsome Norgog.’

Elodi’s hand went to her brow. ‘Ah yes, I have had the pleasure of their company.’

Amyndra’s eyes widened. ‘Then the stories are all true. Many a battle tale suffers from inflated and improbable claims. So, you did stand in the front line at Tunduska? And looked those Hammerskulls in the eye?’

‘To be precise, I was initially in the third line. But I soon found myself at the front following the assault. But that tale is for another day. You said, at first, they settled around Lumreek. Have they since moved south?’

Amyndra nodded. ‘And not peacefully. In the early days, I was not aware of the extent of the numbers of Ruuk coming south. My force was stationed at Lindmar on the border. The order from Keld was to allow certain clans through. However, I later discovered more were crossing farther inland, and in numbers many of us felt uncomfortable with.’ She adjusted her sword belt. ‘I’m sure you’re aware there has long been a divide between the people of Lunn and Ormsk. Bardon and his recent predecessors had done much to unite the two wards. But sadly, it appears that in the short time Nordryn has been in post, he has undone a century of good work and opened old wounds. This has caused many rifts across much of Broon, and more so, even in the military.’

Elodi leaned against the rail. ‘This is bad news indeed. Are we to become the Four Realms? We are already weakened, but to lose Broon would be a hammer blow.’

‘Thankfully, not all Broon, ma’am. Many remain loyal to Bardon, but it is folly to openly declare it. While I can be certain those under my command can be trusted, many other captains cannot. And this is the reason for my journey. As soon as I arrived at Torm, I sent riders to the captains I knew were of the same mind. I informed them of my decision to petition Lord Kernlow, and they expressed their support. I left shortly after Midsummer, stopping in Rand to consult my retired commander. Together we drew up our plan. I am to inform Lord Kernlow of the situation in Lunn. He should appreciate that it will not stop there. If Kernlow doesn’t help, the unrest will quickly spread south of the River Kel. The loyal captains of Broon are formulating a plan to’ — Amyndra took a deep breath — ‘to unseat Nordryn, but we’ll need support as there are many in our armies who stand with him. If successful, I am certain we can take Keld and remove Nordryn. But our time to act grows ever shorter as the lines of Ruuk flocking to his banner grow longer.’ Amyndra looked along the wall. ‘I appreciate this is an act of treason according to the laws of Broon, but I and my fellow captains are certain we have grounds to turn the tables and convict Nordryn himself of treason.’

Elodi considered Amyndra’s predicament. ‘Do you have the means in Broon’s Charter to remove him?’

‘Our laws state if a sitting lord is acting against the interests of the realm, then yes, they can be brought before a court. But…’ she looked back at the glistening slopes of the Caerwals. ‘We must be certain he has not appointed new officials from his own people. It may well be that we will have to invoke the law of the Five Realms to depose him.’

Elodi held her gaze. ‘That would be exceptional in our times, but as I keep trying to stress to the Castellan and Kernlow, these are not usual times. And what of Broon’s commitment to defend Aralak Gorge? Does Nordryn send support to the Archonians guarding the fences?’

‘For the time being, ma’am, as far as I am aware. As you’ll know, my road here brought me close to that dark place. While I avoided direct contact as I didn’t want word of my journey reaching the wrong ears, I did note the watch on the fence appeared to be at full strength.’

Elodi shuddered as she recalled Ruan’s tale of the loss of his brother at the gorge. ‘But can we trust Nordryn to fulfill his obligation? I would hope he would not want to see those foul creatures escape, but his actions of late do not fill me with confidence. I therefore think it wise to allocate more Archonians to be absolutely sure.’

Amyndra nodded. ‘I agree, ma’am. It’s obvious Nordryn does not care for the safety of the wider realms. It was not until I reached Durrock that I learned of the tragedy in the Caerwal Pass. We had no knowledge of the events unfolding here. And I imagine many in Broon are still unaware of the disaster. And, of course, had we known of the Archon’s intention to open the gate, many would have ridden to support the cause.’