THIRTY: We Come by Order of the Emperor

"Harrow! Harrow!"

Kel repeated the man's name as she trampled through the loose dirt she'd been working all morning to turn. 

The old man finally looked up from his work, squinting against the sun. 

"How many times have I told you to call me-"

He froze as he followed the direction of Kel's anxious pointing.

"We need to go," he finished, instantly turning back toward the house.

Leaving their tools and open bags of seeds, the two set off in the direction of the cabin. Surprisingly, given his age and usual demeanor, Harrow moved extraordinarily fast. 

When they arrived at the house, Harrow merely had to mention the word 'soldiers' before Nesta rapidly ushered them inside and ran to shut and fasten all the window coverings. While the old woman was busy, Harrow grabbed Kel's shoulders.

"Quickly, Child! Where is that sword you're always swinging around?" he demanded.

  "Ah.. that?" Kel hesitated.