“There’s rebellion brewing in the east!” Erazo announces, and those words bring Taru’s attention back to bear on the tasker. “A small band of renegade B’ors and a few runaway Savages have joined with the Sicclunan scum to seize a keep along the border.

“We’ll be moving you out sooner than we would otherwise, and chances are you’ll be fighting mutts just like you. You might even know some of them from the rat holes you’ve called home. Remember what you are and the nation you serve! As a reward, when this rebellion is put down, and it will be put down, you’ll all be given your freedom! And a big bag of gold to live a proper life when you return to the cities!”

Taru wants to laugh at that, but banishes the very idea.

There’s rebellion in the east? That’s an intriguing notion, and one that gives Taru even more reason and motivation to seek out Brio and Ashana among the Legionnaire ranks. If they’re still alive and conscripted, this rebellion could provide a safe haven for them far more easily reachable than attempting to return to the cities. If they’ve already joined the rebellion, then they will need Taru even more.

The retainer sets a hard stare upon Erazo, and up at the few disinterested Skrain idly stalking the walls around them.

They don’t know Savagery, Taru silently promises them. They’ve never seen what a true Savage looks like. But I’m going to show them. I’m going to show this whole damn nation what they’ve made.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS