SAME DISCLAIMER AS IN CHAPTER 1

Hello my friends.
Beware of another very long chapter (by my reckoning, the longest one yet).

The plot is thickening and I hope the story still lives up to your expectations.
I know the pace may seem slow— for a fanfiction story I mean— but I honestly try to weave a consistent plot without too many holes in it...
At least, that's what I try to do.. Not sure I'm always succeeding, but the effort is there, hehe

I can only keep thanking the group of you who always takes the time to review every chapter...
It is not only very rewarding, but also an extremely good incentive to keep on going :-) :-)

Thanks SO much once again.


Chapter 28: The power of information

"So, let me get this straight…" Merlin went back to the conversation once again, completely annoyed because his master wasn't paying attention at all to such ostensibly important topic. "You suspect that Sir Ruther is concocting some devious plan to keep the throne for himself."

"Yes."

"But you are not marrying the Princess…"

Arthur was fixing his belt and did not even react to the comment. Merlin tried again.
"Even thought your marriage with her would actually prevent the Steward to access the throne and solve all the problems… "

Another one-word reply was all the warlock got out of his master.
"Correct."

"I see…"

Merlin remained pensive— by then very much confused in addition to frustrated—and the Prince looked up. A pensive Merlin generally meant a downpour of questions… Not that he had any intention to answer them anyway. Still, Arthur reckoned that if he were to disclose the truth to his servant, Merlin would stop asking.

'A straight answer is the best way to stop annoying questions' one of his old tutors used to joke.

The Prince knew that by own experience… He had pursued the Princess all the way to Leoness because she had been systematically evasive with her responses. The moment she had told him the truth, all remaining inquisitiveness had disappeared and there had been nothing left to talk about the matter.

Sadly...

The reality was that he had promised Gwynn and Sir Alric to maintain confidentiality in what he had been made privy to—in both cases—and he was not going to break his word, not matter how bothersome Merlin's questions got.

He chuckled mentally thinking how aggravated Gwynn might have been at his constant prodding… Perhaps putting up with Merlin's… inquisition was the Gods' way to penalize him for not taking the Princess' word for it and leave her alone when he should have… He swallowed a smile.

"Arthur" Merlin purposely decided. "You do realize that you are not making any sense, right?"

Arthur finished putting on his red jacket and smirked to his servant, patting him on the shoulder in his way out of the quarters.

"Then you know how I feel about your babblings."


After the interlude in the stables—for which he was still reeling in—Arthur had received word that the Steward expected to have dinner with him and his niece. The idea of sharing a table with Gwynn's would-be-assassin was possibly one of the less palatable things the Prince had been forced to do.

Then again, at least he would have the opportunity to spend more time with the Princess, even if it was in the format of an uncomfortable royal dinner with her uncle in the middle.

The discussion with Sir Alric had also left him worried. The Leoness' commander seemed to be under the impression that the marriage would take place. In fact, he'd been very much hopeful about it. Arthur had not wanted to dismiss the notion so earlier in the game and had remained silent.

Otherwise, it would have meant to disclose Gwynn's reasons to reject the idea—namely her powers—and the Prince had not wanted to betray her trust. According to Gwynn, nobody but Helene knew of that, and he had promised to be discreet about it.

Walking towards the dining room, the Prince frowned. He had been asking questions left and right and all of a sudden he discovered that he'd gotten far more than he had bargained for.

He'd gotten his answers, yes. Nevertheless, he had been sworn to secrecy in every case and now—even with all the information at hand—he was at a loss about how to use it without disclosing what he had promised not to divulge.

It also downed on Arthur that as much as he disliked politics, ever since the entire marriage affair had begun, he'd been doing just that… With his father, with Ruther, with Alric…

The thought brought up his trademark lopsided smirk, which clearly spoke of his self-satisfaction. He was not that bad at it, it'd seem…

Not bad at all, if I may say so myself
He almost chuckled out loud.

Tonight would be yet another test of his diplomacy and negotiation skills and he felt he was prepared for it. The fact was that he had more information on his hands than any of the other persons involved—whether Ruther, Sir Alric or even Gwynn, who still did not know he'd been talking with the commander.

Therefore, he would obviously have an advantageous edge in whatever conversation he was to engage with the Steward. His eyebrows rose slightly in candid amazement: information was indeed a powerful weapon if wielded correctly… Go figure…


The dinner had progressed without major incidents, except for the fact that Arthur had been having a hard time trying to avoid staring at the Princess too much. She was… breathtaking in her white-silver gown with a very interesting décolletage, which—to his enjoyment and dismay—kept relentlessly attracting his eyes.

The Prince would have bet his crown that Ruther was again the main responsible of her overly desirable looks… And because of that, he had no doubt that any additional comment from his part about her… ravishing appearance would definitely provoke a caustic retort of the likes he'd gotten at the ball… something along the line of thanking her uncle...

All and all, Gwynn had tried to maintain a calm demeanor and even a fairly civil one with her uncle. But the tension between them was so thick it could have been cut with a knife.

Ruther's voice brought the Prince out of his reflections.
"So, your highness, I understand you have been visiting our royal guard's quarters today..."

Arthur pondered his reply for an instant and chose a tangent to the topic. Instead of answering directly, he mused with a cold, sarcastic smile.
"I suppose it may take me some time to get used to the privacy rules in Leoness, Sir."

Gwynn almost choked with her drink and Ruther's face lost all its colors while swallowing hard.
"What… what do you mean Sire?"

"Hadn't one of your guards given you a message?"

The Prince grabbed his cup with deliberately slow movements, carefully studying the Steward's reactions. When it seemed that the man was about to burst and lose his composure, Arthur let out a reassuring chuckle.

"Of course, I only meant to scare him, that's all… Truth is, I thought that it could teach him a lesson about the importance of knowing the target." He shook his head and went back to his food.

The perfectly executed routine of the Prince effectively managed to put the Steward back at ease and cleared the atmosphere a bit. With the exception, perhaps, of Gwynn who had been mutely listening to the interchange and was feeling her skin crawl in indignation.

"But, yes, of course… I almost forgot" Ruther sneered disgustingly and lied trying to dismiss the issue. "Although since you brought it up, I believe I owe you an apology, your highness. My guards have orders to always watch out for the safety of my niece. When they saw you going into the balcony, they might have worried about Gwynn and followed you."

The Princess was looking totally appalled and her gaze kept going from one man to another. Her uncle was lying through his teeth, though nothing was strange about it. But the Prince should have known better… She had told him about those guards and yet it seemed that he was dismissing the matter as some minor mishap of an idiotic soldier.

A little voice told her that since she actually did not know what Arthur was talking about, she should give him the benefit of the doubt. But her anger was rapidly climbing… and the fact that the Prince had suddenly chosen to completely ignore her only fueled it even more.

"Of course."

When Arthur merely agreed without lifting his eyes from the food, he clearly heard Gwynn's sharp intake of air and knew he would have a lot of explaining to do afterwards…

What the Princess did not know either was that Arthur was purposely averting her eyes. He realized that—being unaware of his confrontation with the soldier the night of the ball—Gwynn was obviously at a loss about the current conversation.

In any case, he had to maintain the pretenses and was afraid that one look into her hurt and confused green eyes could eventually cause his impeccably mounted charade to crumble in pieces.

He would straighten the situation with her lately.
Hopefully… If the Gods were to be merciful with him…
For now, unhinging the Steward was far more urgent.

Ruther continued, seemingly pleased.
"But you did well scaring him. He was obviously a young and inexperienced recruit. I gave him and his commander an earful this morning."

Still, the Steward wanted to know what businesses the Camelot Heir had had with the royal guard. "So, have you spoken with anyone during your visit to the quarters?"

There was not going to be a way out of the question, Arthur figured. Not that he had expected Ruther to drop the issue so easily either. He could release some information and see how this disgusting man would react to it.

"I spoke with Sir Alric, as a matter of fact."

The face of Ruther began to loose colors again. That was evidently not the answer he would have liked to hear; but the Prince continued casually, trying with all his might to ignore the anxiety he knew Gwynn was enduring behind her impassible mask.

"One of things I intend to do while here, besides enjoying your wonderful hospitality that is," he joked to make light of the situation, "is to evaluate the capabilities of Leoness' military branch since part of the agreement mentions the sharing of forces at the borders."

Ruther was pleased again with the flattering reply and found it reasonable. Perhaps he had worried unnecessarily.

When the Prince saw that his interlocutor had settled back, however, he pressed on again.
"I was hoping that Sir Alric could give me a more detailed briefing tomorrow."

The disgusting face of the Steward contorted in a barely contained satisfied sneer.
No chance in hell for that, my Prince.

"I'm afraid it is not going to be possible. Sir Alric and three large battalions are departing Leoness as we speak."

Arthur and Gwynn looked at each other startled by the news, alertness written in both their faces. Fortunately, Ruther was still focused on his food and his apparent complacency, and kept talking oblivious of their reaction.

"We've received rumors from our most northern borders on the coast that barbarians are planning to disembark there… Thus Alric and his men went to assess the situation."

Arthur narrowed his eyes. The correct way to read this was that Ruther was emptying the barracks of soldiers loyal to the Crown and sending Alric away… He was undoubtedly planning something.

"Isn't it too risky to send such a large force based only on rumors?"

Wrong question it seemed… The Steward glared, noticeably angry, and Arthur internally kicked himself. His heightened military senses had momentarily taken over, almost overriding what his newly discovered diplomatic ones had achieved tonight. He immediately shifted gears and asked innocently.

"I mean … who would guard the Citadel, my lord?"

It was seemingly a good diversion because Ruther put his guard down again, smiling arrogantly.
"We have other resources, your highness. Do not worry. You and your men are well protected within these walls."

"I am sure we are."

The elegant cynicism of the Prince was totally lost to the old man, who changed topics quickly lest the conversation turned to less cordial matters.

"I have been thinking that Gwynn could give you a tour for our lands tomorrow. That would give you a chance to know the Kingdom better."

Before another word could be spoken, the Princess unexpectedly came out of her shell with a cold and assertive tone.
"Tomorrow is the day I visit the house of healings, Uncle. I do not wish to cancel that."

"But darling…" The greeted teeth under the fake smile utterly negated the endearment. "We have royal visitors and your intended no less… You can surely go another time…"

The atmosphere charged again as the Lady of Leoness took office and rebutted with a regal tone that left no doubt who was the royal one between the two relatives.

"I have promised I would go tomorrow and I have no time to rectify. I would not break my promise. There are children amongst those who are expecting me. I see no reason to cancel this for a tour with the Prince."

It was evident to Arthur that the entire conversation had exceedingly upset Gwynn and her temper was flaring out. And it was also clear that her uncle was never amicable to yielding and would not accept a 'no' for an answer.

With the tension between uncle and niece rising to dangerous levels, the Prince reckoned that it was probably a good time to intervene with a compromising solution. Although his face remained imperturbable, his blue gaze was pleading Gwynn to acquiesce.

"If I may… I would love to accompany the Princess to the house of healings. When she is done, if we have time, we can ride through the land." He paused for a second and smiled, abruptly inspired. "It could also be a good opportunity to take Ceara out."

The initial fire in Gwynn's eyes dimmed a little at the mention of her horse. She slightly furrowed her forehead as if understanding that the Prince might have some pre-conceived plan after all. Before she could answer, however, her uncle asked confused.

"Ceara?"

Still fuming, she managed to reel on her anger a bit and replied as composedly as she could.
"It's my new horse. Prince Arthur's gift."

The Steward lifted an eyebrow. Something was amiss there, he could smell it.
How could the Prince have known that a horse would be a more adequate gift for his infuriatingly spirited niece than… a jewel, as the case might be?

His voice was drenched with suspicion.
"It is an interesting choice of a gift for a Princess, don't you think Sire?"

Once again, the Prince was ready for him.
"A lucky guess I imagine…" He chuckled, though quickly explained. "The truth is that we have very good intelligence gathering in Camelot, Sir."

Arthur let his statement sink in before continuing, purposely leaving the Steward wondering what exactly his words had implied.

"The Princess' riding skills are known far and wide across your borders… As are her warrior skills, which I had the opportunity to observe first hand today."

The fascination in the young royal's eyes made the Steward grinned in malicious complacence.
You like her, don't you Prince Arthur…? Then sign the damn contract and she'd be all yours…At least until your father gets to deal with her…

"I am pleased to learn that you both have already had some opportunity to get acquainted with each other then."

Arthur shot a significant look to the lovely Princess in front of him.
"We have been making some progress…"

The double meaning of his words and his impish smile made Gwynn blush furiously, to the delight of both men. Arthur's delight because he just loved the way her face heated up under his gaze; Ruther's, because that meant that the Prince would sign the treaty sooner than later.
Speaking of the treaty…

"I see you are still going over the agreement terms..."

The Prince tore his gaze from the enthralling green eyes that were blazing with cold fury, and turned towards Ruther. The opening couldn't be more perfect…

"Indeed. And now that the topic has been brought up, it just occurred to me that there is a particular clause which we may want to re-write."

Rewriting the treaty was absolutely out of the question for the Steward, but evidently he could not dismiss the royal heir so quickly.
"And what's that?"

"Since I am here, I do not think that there is a reason for Prince Gwynn to reside in Camelot for such long period of time before the wedding."

Bull's eye. The Steward was clearly freaking out.

Trying to swallow the bile that was rising to his throat as inconspicuously as possible, Ruther pretended to be interested.
"Really? And why is that?"

The Prince was enjoying this. He put on his most innocent expression and spoke as if he was excited to have come up with such… improvement for the contract.

"Well… I can see how busy the Princess' agenda is with all her royal activities." He paused to briefly gaze at Gwynn with a reverential look. "I've mentioned already that I find her interest in the people quite endearing as it's an excellent quality in a Queen."

Far from being flattered, the would-be-Queen was looking like she could murder him… And a similar look was distorting her uncle's face, come to think of it.
Who knew they could actually agree on something!
The thought almost made Arthur laugh out loud, but remained impassible in his performance.

"I am afraid that taking the Princess away from her duties may not set well with the people of Leoness." He chuckled. "I do not want to begin my own royal duties as a consort King with the people already angry at me for that reason…"

The Steward found his voice, which was hoarse with the wrath he'd been swallowing during the Prince's discourse.

"But Gwynn will reside in Camelot when she marries you."

"Yes, but by then, both countries would be united under one crown. Taking her away as a Princess could be seen as nothing else but to… steal her, for lack of a better word."

Both dining companions were left speechless at the argument, and Arthur marveled at his ability to alienate uncle and niece at the same time, though for different reasons. He had to hold back another chuckle thinking of what Merlin would have to say about that.

"But do not worry. I have my scribe with me and I will ask him to draft out some ideas, which we can discuss in the next couple of days." He finished smiling.

The peace had been definitely broken and the air had grown dense with tension.

In any case, the Prince's mission had been fully accomplished: the Steward was visibly distraught and feeling trapped. The change in plans would most likely cause for Ruther to make a wrong move and thus he would be exposed for what he truly was.

It was going to be necessary to be extra careful, though, particularly for the Princess' safety… Arthur's thoughts were interrupted when Gwynn purposely set her napkin on the table and stood up.

"Since it seems that my presence here is not required to discuss my future after all" She hissed with all the derisiveness of the world. "And being that tomorrow I have a very busy day, I will retire for the night. Good night sirs."

Without even waiting for the men at the table to properly acknowledge her departure, the Princess turned on her heels and headed for the door.

The darkening shade of crimson on Ruther's face indicated that he was about to explode, and so Arthur quickly stood up, once again getting on the line of fire to prevent a catastrophe. He looked at the Steward's understandingly.

"Do not worry on my account, my lord."

But Ruther was beyond furious, and it was clearly not because of the breech in protocol rules.
"That girl never learned to respect my orders!"

"I am sure she does, Sir. She's probably just exhausted by her training and my presence here seems to overwhelm her."

Badly controlling his rage, the Steward looked at the Prince meaningfully.
"You always seem to excuse her appalling behavior, Sire… May I ask why?"

Thinking quickly, the Prince went for the salacious angle and put on a nasty, lecherous smile.
"Because I actually find her temper more than enticing, Sir. Whether here or in Camelot, something tells me I will not be bored…"

Arthur was glad she was out of earshot. He hadn't meant the wicked undertone of his words, but he needed to placate the Steward. The crude statement seemed to have done it. Or so he thought…

"Fair enough, Sire."

The Prince nodded briefly and left the room.

Ruther, however, had not swallowed Arthur's explanation. He had simply agreed to it so the young royal would leave him alone… He needed to regroup and plan.

The Prince was infatuated; no doubt about it. But the Steward feared that he might have miscalculated the apparent power of his niece's beauty.
The suggestion of not moving her to Camelot… Was it truly the Prince's idea or would Gwynn have hinted something?

Would she be able to manipulate Arthur with her charms?
If so, Ruther's plan could easily fall through.

He had been counting on a Pendragon like Uther… Cold-blooded and driven by ambition.
But he had been wrong.
It was not only that the times have changed… Prince Arthur was nothing like his father.

Whatever the case, he was running out of time. He would have to shift strategies and go by the one that would provide quicker results. Gurgeneu should be coming soon anyway...


Although Arthur walked hurriedly out of the dining room, Gwynn was nowhere to be seen. Only when he turned the corner leading to the longer corridor he was able to see a flying piece of silvery white fabric from her skirt turning at the other end of the hallway.

He sped up his long strides until she was only a few yards in front of him.
"Princess!"

She didn't acknowledge the call nor slowed her pace.

"Princess Gwynn, wait!"

They were approaching her room and Arthur hurried even more. If she were to enter, he was sure she was not going to open her door to him. At last he caught up with her just in time, and grabbed her.

Gwynn turned around completely enraged and jerked her arm free.
The nerve of this Prince!

Arthur let her go with an apologetic smile. The guards at the end of the corridor were already on alert and he didn't need a confrontation. Ruther's guards or not, the soldiers would come to her aid if a problem was perceived.

"I'm sorry…" He kept his voice down, hoping to be out of audible range from the guards. "I need to speak with you."

"I do not even want to see you right now." She whispered through clenched teeth. "What makes you think I would speak with you?"

"Some things I've said might have led to a misunderstanding and…"

"Misunderstanding? Is that what you call it?" Her voice kept rising; she was really mad. "I misunderstood your collusion with my uncle in deciding my life as if I haven't even been there?

"I know it looked like that, but it truly was not what it seemed…"

"Oh… really." She scoffed bitterly. "You really must think me a nitwit your highness… Please, explain to me what was that all about? But use small words as I might not be able to follow you…"

Arthur's patience was diminishing at a rapid rate and her sarcasm only accelerated the process. Somehow this woman had the ability to make him loose his temper quite easily.

He looked at the guards. This was not a place for a scene, and given her state of exasperation, there was a high likelihood that the conversation would escalate in that direction… and soon.

He opened the door of her room and grabbing her hand, walked them both inside closing the door after him. Gwynn was not downright scandalized at his actions, but before she could say anything he spoke again.

"I'm just trying to help you Princess…"

This man did not even know when to stop, did he?
"I don't need your help!"

"Oh, really…" He mocked… half mad, half amused…, which only helped to fuel her fury even more.

"I do not!" She stressed caustically. "All I needed from you was to cancel the treaty…"She lifted an admonishingly finger. "I trusted you..." The finger quickly found a target on his chest. "I confided in you..." Another resolute poke accompanied her words. "And you promised…"

Arthur grabbed her hands before she could continue poking him, trying not to laugh, but in all honesty the situation had become amusing to him despite its gravity.
"And once I tell your uncle that we're not getting married, what do you think is going to happen?"

She stopped fighting him to free her hands and lowered her eyes. He had a point there…

Arthur's tone changed to a softer one. Maybe she would listen now.
"I cannot do that now, Gwynn. How long do you think it would be until your uncle decides to kill you when the marriage doesn't go as he's planned?"

She remained silent, her head low, and the Prince carried on in a soothing voice.
"You know that the internal peace of your beloved Leoness is balancing on the edge of a blade. You need me to stall your uncle for as long as I can…"

Gwynn's shoulders fell as she nodded in agreement… With a deep sigh that spoke of her distress, she lifted worried eyes towards Arthur.
"I did not know that he had virtually emptied the barracks… We're at the mercy of his mercenaries now."

The Prince smiled… She had been thinking exactly like he had…
"That's why you need to play along. Let us wait for Sir Alric to return and then we'll decide what to do. I gave you my word, my lady. I will not back up on that…"

Unless you ask me to.

"You are right. Of course." She raised her hand to her forehead, composing herself. "And I apologize. You are being a trusted ally and I've been…"

"A spoiled little brat?"

Her beautiful lips opened in a truly appalled gap at his playful wink…
"I cannot believe you just called me that!"

Though apparently outraged, her eyes were laughing at his pun… Just in case, however, Arthur's hands went up in peace…

"It wasn't me throwing a tantrum at the dinner table, if I recall correctly..."

"I did behave horribly, didn't I?"She shook her head, giggling and a little embarrassed as well. "I know it is not an excuse, but Ruther cares so little about my people that for many years this has been a constant source of argument with him..."

Then she scowled at him, only half joking.
"And your little charade there did not help matters either!"

The Prince laughed unreservedly. Couldn't she be any more adorable?
Stopping his thoughts for wandering onto forbidden territory, he sobered up.
"I know… But this is not the time for rush decisions. We need to remain calm and act according to the developments."

And just like that, the familiar and comforting feeling of togetherness cocooned them once again.

Gwynn looked at him pensively and a small smile made its way to her lips. Her eyes shone playfully sending Arthur's pulse into a crazy race. What was that look?

"What…?"

She crossed her arms, mischievousness written all over her face.
"For someone who said to prefer the battle field to the court because of the politics, you are an incredibly gifted diplomat, your highness."

A sudden blush as the totally unexpected compliment covered Arthur from head to toe… The noticeable admiration in her tone made his heart beat twice as fast as it had been already, and threatened to jump off his chest …

But Gwynn wasn't done with her questions and a moment later she narrowed her eyes on him.
"And what did you speak with Alric?"

Oh… yes… Sir Alric… The Prince made a face… She was not going to like the answer.
"I cannot divulge that my lady. I gave him my word…"

Sure enough, her temper flared up again.
"What is it that you are doing my lord?"

Not being able to help himself any longer, Arthur moved closer and caressed her terse cheek with his knuckles.
"I'm trying to help you, I told you."

The devastating tenderness of his gesture effectively knocked down all walls and erased all doubts from her heart. Her eyes were wide and bright.
"Why?"

Because I won't be able to live with myself if something were to happen to you…
"Because that's what friends do… They help and watch out for each other."

She beamed… That was right… He was her friend…
Arthur…
Unfailing, magnificent…, infuriatingly adorable Arthur was her friend…

"Do you trust me, Gwynn?"

His deep voice brought her out of her reverie, yet rather than answering she moved forward and rested her head on his chest. The gesture alone shook the Prince to his core.

"Of course I do Arthur. Thank you…"

Without thinking, his arms delicately encircled her on a soft embrace. He tried to maintain it as friendly as possible… But she relaxed on his chest, comfortably and unquestioningly, and his arms tightened further around her lithe frame.

Having her this close was pure torture, and Arthur shut his eyes almost in pain…
For someone who owns the fire, my lady, don't you realize how dangerous is to play with it?

She freed herself with a peaceful smile and the Prince confirmed his suspicions: Gwynn was perfectly clueless about the havoc her actions had raised inside him.

"I like that…"

The cerulean eyes of the Prince were unusually dark and fogged further, confused at her words.
Gwynn smiled again.
"I like being your friend …"

Swallowing the lump on his throat, Arthur knew at that moment that he would do anything for her…

But because of the treacherous effect of her closeness… and that alluring décolletage that had invited his eyes all night long—and now was blatantly temping his lips as well—he knew he should leave…
Otherwise, he would be liable to do anything to her right then and there…

At this point, he only dared to gently grace her hand with a kiss.
"I'll see you tomorrow for our outing then."


Somewhere outside Leoness' borders…

"Sir Ruther requests your presence in the Citadel." The croaked voice of the soldier left no doubt of the depth of his fears.

The hooded figure chuckled menacing.
"Who does this time the Steward needs to eliminate?"

"I don't know, my lord." The guard knees were also shaking. "He does not share that information with me."

"Good. Then I won't have to kill you then."

The comment, though supposedly reassuring, did not help much to calm down Ruther's mercenary. Nonetheless, he delivered the rest of his message.
"The Steward also wants to make you aware that the Prince of Camelot is visiting the Citadel. He said that you should be most careful not to be detected. The Prince and his knights are suspicious of the situation in Leoness and they will be extra alert."

"Arthur Pendragon is in Leoness?" The barely visibly mouth underneath the hood curved in an evil smile. "How convenient… Go back and tell Ruther I will be there tomorrow."

Once the soldier left, the hooded man turned to one of his associates.
There would be no loose ends...

"Follow him until he reaches Leoness' lands and kill him."

The other assassin nodded and headed to the door. Before he left the shack, the leader spoke once again.

"And put him back on his mount …" Another malevolent smile further distorted his disfigured jaw. "The horse should take him back to the Citadel… Ruther would know that I'm coming..."