His ramblings “just happened” to coincide with visits to the people in his Duchy he trusted most. These were the Duchy’s eight Counts and their worthiest subordinates, people who had already been brought into confidence by his father, so the only actual secret they learned was that the Plan’s candles were lit, and it was a vital step closer to fruition. Each of them had entrusted children or other relatives, as well as trained experts, with their own specialized duties in the Plan’s execution. They would be sent across as soon as the Foothold Gate was built, to scout for dangers—and hopefully eliminate them—and prepare the settlement base for what was to come.

One of them, Count Endicrag of Endicrag Manor, had two things they were going to need desperately. One was a cousin, a Healer named Alberdina, who was willing to go in the first wave. The other was of even more immediate help. Lord Endicrag’s sixth out of ten sons was everything Kordas could have wanted for his explorer-through-the-Gate: tough, strong, smart, and with a seriously itchy foot, just a little older than Kordas, an able fighter, and a trained woodsman. He was actually back from a foray into the mysterious North. Not for anyone; he’d gone on his own, to see what was there. When Kordas explained the situation to him, the man immediately wanted to be the first person to go through the Foothold Gate, explore, and find a suitable place for a water-Gate.

“I’ve longed my entire life for a chance like this,” said Ivar Endicrag, actually rubbing his hands together with glee. “I’ve dreamed of it, actually. I’ve made lists of what to stock for each foray I make. I want one of your Chargers, a trained one that can handle rough terrain. A Charger is a force-multiplier, turning me into a squad of people without actually having to have a squad of people, and if my understanding is correct, they ‘stand watch’ at night?”

“More or less. A horse’s senses are keener than a human’s, and Chargers rarely sleep deeply,” Kordas replied slowly. “If I were you, I’d take—”

“A dog, too? I have one. Got him before that last trip. He’s a good boy.” Ivar chuckled. “When can I start training with the horse?”

“Now,” Kordas told him, hardly able to believe his luck; he didn’t expect Ivar to be so prepared. “In fact, pack your things, come back with me, and move into the manor. It’s not as if we don’t have room! And since you and your dog will be training with one of my Chargers, it won’t seem out of place.”

Ivar didn’t wait for a second invitation; he sprinted out of the room like it was on fire.