328 Imperial Politics

As Arran and the other mercenaries continued toward Lord Kadun's delegation, he saw that a group of several dozen soldiers had broken off from Lord Rannoc's newly arrived forces. And now, those soldiers were approaching them at a rapid pace.

Captain Kaleesh glanced at the approaching soldiers, a frown on his face. "Keep going," he said after a moment. "And whatever happens, remain calm."

Arran felt anything but calm, but he did as the captain said, continuing onward at a steady pace. Whatever was about to happen, rashness could only make matters worse.

As the group of soldiers came closer, he realized they hadn't been the only ones who noticed what was happening. A group of soldiers had broken off from Lord Kadun's forces as well, and they were now rushing over, too.

Yet Lord Rannoc's forces were the first to arrive, and at their head was a tall woman. She had dark hair and cruel eyes, and from her belt hung a starmetal sword.