Chapter 8

It took almost two hours for Zelroth and his company to reach their camp. The sun had reached the apex when the labyrinth of trees parted to reveal a large clearing littered with tents and half doused fires. Most of his unit lazed and grovelled in the grass, scattered about like victims of a windstorm.

Zalmer and Cain stood beside the tethered steeds.

"Welcome back, Captain." Cain straightened. "I see you succeeded."

Zelroth sighed. "You can say that." He jumped down from his saddle and gestured at one of the unconscious men. "What's wrong with these fools?"

"The 'crates of weapons' from North Warren turned out to be barrels of ale from Appleby," Cain said, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"I don't think their condition will improve any time soon." Zalmer sighed. "Just our luck these spineless newbies got assigned to our unit."

"As if my pride hasn't been dragged through the dirt already," Zelroth muttered, trying not to clench his jaw.

"We didn't think you'd return this soon, Captain, or we would've dumped them in a brook." Cain exchanged a smirk with Zalmer.

Zelroth glanced warily in Ayana's direction. "Be careful around them," he said in a lowered voice. "Especially the short-haired brunette."

"You don't need to tell me twice, Captain," Zalmer replied.

"Wake these slobbering idiots," Zelroth said, his annoyance brimming to the surface. "The Commander doesn't tolerate tardiness. I'm in enough trouble as it is."

"Yes, Captain." Cain strode around, shouting at his companions and kicking them awake. Most of them grumbled unintelligibly and rolled over.

Zelroth waited impatiently as the sober ones gathered around him, awaiting his orders. He sent three of them to scout their path and the others to stow the tents and prepare the horses.

"Where are they headed?" asked a sharp voice behind him.

Zelroth whipped around and saw Ayana's escort staring down at him. Such posture and grace. She was no ordinary aide.

And her steed was as noiseless as a stalking predator!

"Lookouts," Zelroth replied, steadying his nerves. "We have to keep an eye out for the Empire's patrols."

She gave a nonchalant nod, throwing a worried glance at Ayana, who was conversing with one of his men. He saw doubt and distaste in her eyes as she scanned the clearing.

The lifeless morons were still rolling around on the ground.

What remained of his pride evaporated with a scornful sniff from the aide. Perhaps bringing them to the camp hadn't been such a good idea after all.

Her black horse shuffled its hooves and flicked its tail, nostrils flaring as it tasted the heavy air.

"Magnificent beast," Zelroth commented, gesturing at the thoroughbred. Anything to distract her from the pitiful state of his unit. "What's his name?"

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Stormrider."

The horse shook its mane, a nervous snicker vibrating through its muzzle.

She tensed, eyes darting toward the trees.

Zelroth followed her gaze, moments before a masked man rode into the clearing.

The newcomer jumped down from his saddle and strode toward him, brown cloak almost trailing on the ground. His wary eyes cast a brief glance at the aide before turning to him.

"Captain," he acknowledged.

Zelroth recognized that voice. "Halvin! How did you find us?"

"I might as well have been tracking a rampaging boar," he replied. "Never mind that. There are more pressing matters. Iowen Ilimoira of the Imperial Guard was sighted at Caarn. I heard she joined forces with a company of soldiers from North Warren." He jerked his chin at Lady Ayana. "She's in danger."

"In that case, we can't stay in one place for long," Zelroth replied. "Head to Theos. I want a false trail leading to the port of Duan. You know what to do."

Halvin gave a curt nod before climbing back onto his saddle.

Without a backward glance, he took off at a trot into the green depths. The thudding hoof-beats gradually faded as the underbrush closed around him.

Lady Ayana's aide raised an eyebrow. "Who was it?"

"One of our spies from North Warren," Zelroth answered, looking up at her. "We have to leave now. Inform your mistress. Iowen is one adversary we need to avoid at all costs."