He stopped when he reached a post lurching at a crossroad. The sign declared RATIBOR to the right and AQUESTA to the left. He stepped off the road into the tall grass and found a fallen log to sit on. He pulled the shoulder strap of the sack over his head and set it down. Rummaging through the bag, he found a honeyed muffin, one of three he had pilfered from the dinner table at the inn. He was old, but his sleight of hand was still impressive. Royce would have been proud—less so if he found out that Arcadius had paid for the meal, which had included the muffins. Still, the big swarthy fellow at his elbow would have poached them if he had not acted first. Now it looked as if they would come in handy, as he had no idea when—

He heard hoofbeats long before he saw the horse. The sound came from the direction of Ratibor. As unlikely as it was for anyone else to be on that road at that hour, the lore master’s heart nevertheless increased until, at last, the rider cleared the trees. A woman rode alone in a dark hood and cloak. She came to a stop at the post.

“You’re late,” he said.

She whirled around, relaxing when she recognized him. “No, I’m early. You are just earlier.”

“Why are you alone? It’s too dangerous. These roads are—”

“And who would you suggest I trust to escort me? Have you added to our ranks?”

She dismounted and tied her horse to the post.

“You could have paid some young lad. There must be a few in the city you trust.”

“Those I trust would be of no aid, and those that could help, I don’t trust. Besides, this isn’t far. I couldn’t have been on the road for more than two hours. And there’s not much between Ratibor and here.” Before she reached him, he started to rise. “You don’t have to get up.”

“How else can I give you a hug?” He embraced her. “Now tell me, how have you been? I was very worried.”

“You worry too much. I’m fine.” She drew back her hood, revealing long blonde hair, which she wore scooped back.

“The city has been taken?” Arcadius asked.

“The Nationalists have it now. They attacked and defeated Lord Dermont’s forces in the field and the princess led a revolt against Sheriff Vigan in the city. Sir Breckton and the Northern Imperial Army arrived too late. With the city buttoned up and Dermont dead, Breckton’s army turned around and headed back north.”

“I passed part of his supply train. He’s taking up a defensive position around Aquesta, I think. Hadrian and Arista? How are they?”