Renquist’s reaction did not surprise Arista. He had been a career soldier serving with King Urith, as well as the imperial army, before joining the rebel Nationalists when Kilnar fell. When Gaunt had disappeared, Renquist had been appointed commander in chief, a position far higher in rank than he could ever have hoped for. Now he was finally realizing the power he possessed and starting to assert himself. She had hoped he would demonstrate the same spirit Emery had shown, but Renquist was not a commoner with the heart of a nobleman. If she did not take action now, Arista could find herself facing a military overthrow.

“This city just liberated itself from one tyrant, and I won’t allow it to fall under the heel of another. If you refuse to obey me, I’ll replace you as commander.”

“And how will you do that?”

Arista revealed a faint smile. “Think hard … I’m sure you can figure it out.”

Renquist continued to stare at her, and then his eyes widened in realization and fear flashed across his face.

“Yes,” she told him, “the rumors about me are true. Now take your army out of the city before I feel a need to prove it. You have just one day to remove them. Scouts found a suitable valley to the north. I suggest you camp where the river crosses the road. It’s far enough away to prevent further trouble. By heading north, your men will feel they’re progressing toward the goal of Aquesta, thus helping morale.”

“Don’t tell me how to run my army,” he snapped, although not as loudly, nor as confidently, as before.

“My apologies,” she said with a bow of her head. “That was only a suggestion. The order to leave the city, however, is not. Good evening to you, sir.”

Renquist hesitated, his breath labored, his hands balled into fists.

“I said, good evening, sir.”

He muttered a curse and slammed the door as he left.

Exhausted, Arista slumped in her chair.

Why does everything have to be so hard?

Everyone wanted something from her now: food, shelter, assurances that everything would be all right. The citizens looked at her and saw hope, but Arista could see little herself. Plagued by endless problems and surrounded by people, she felt oddly alone.

Arista laid her head on her desk and closed her eyes.

Just a few minutes’ catnap, she told herself. Then I’ll get up and figure out how to deal with the shortage of grain and look into the reports of the mistreatment of prisoners.