“Folk can say anything they want,” agreed the elder. “There are plenty of rogues abroad these days. I’m called Menard. What’s your business with us, and why have you brought so many eagles?” He gestured skyward.

“Rogues are my business,” said Joss, wishing he had a drink. “I don’t know if you’ve had the news, but at the end of the Fox year an army out of the north attacked Olossi.”

“Might have heard a rumor of it. Might have had some trouble ourselves recently. Might have. I’m not saying we did.”

“A coalition of reeves, Olossi militia, and outlanders come to make their fortune in the Hundred banded together to defeat this army. Most of the defeated survivors fled north over months ago, but some hid out on the Olo Plain. This group have finally made their move to get home.”

“What’s that to do with us?”

“They’re marching up the Rice Walk. They’ll hit this ferry and want to cross. They’re being led by a man who pretends to be a Guardian.”

The elder whispered for a bit to his fellows, then turned back. “The Guardians are long vanished from the Hundred. Everyone knows that.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not the only one who has seen abroad creatures who in all parts resemble Guardians except that they rule not in favor of justice but against it.”

“Sounds like demons to me. What’s it to us?”

“You don’t dispute my tale. Or ask to hear more particulars?”

“I don’t.”

“Then you’ve heard rumors, or have seen what I speak of. As for Westcott, the companies that now march up Rice Walk will not show your town any mercy, once they cross the river.”

“You wish us to hold the ferry and defend the shore. This we can do easily enough. We’ve pulled the ferry to our side. We control its movements from the winch. Anyway, the river is swift this time of year. They’ll not cross without our permission. They’ll have two day’s rugged march north to Hammering Ford, which is no easy crossing. There’s neither ford or ferry south of here until Storos-on-the-water. That’s a long way.”

“I’m glad to hear you have your territory so well scanned, Menard. So tell me. What defense have you against demons?”

“Why, the same as you reeves. Or are you here to tell me you have a plan in mind and wish our help?”

Joss grinned. “That’s exactly what I’m here to tell you. We haven’t long, for we’re not that far ahead. We’ve plans to make and snares to set. As for your people, those who have heart and strength to fight are welcome to join us. All others should flee to refuge.”

“How many march in this army?” asked Menard grimly.

“Three hundred or so.”

They dropped back to confer with the villagers, but the conference was a short one. Soon the trio returned. “What do you want us to do?”

Joss beckoned, and Anji walked up, surveying the assembly as they stared and muttered. “This is Captain Anji, commander of the Olossi militia by request and consent of the Olossi council.”