With Klia’s escort flanking them, the company set off inland for the old capital, following a road that ran beside a river.

“The island is well watered,” Micum observed. “A pity about the forests.”

“All gone to shipbuilding and houses long ago,” said Zella.

They saw scattered herds of wild goats and a few swine. Foxes darted across the road, hunting field mice in the tall grass beyond. Eagles circled above them against a clear blue sky, piercing the surrounding quiet with their high, stuttering calls. The way steepened and the river grew louder, tumbling over and foaming around boulders and small islands. It twisted sharply around bends, and the road followed it between rising hills that cut off the view.

The encampment and city surprised them as they rounded one last wide curve at midafternoon. Menosi was surrounded by crumbling walls that still showed bits of broken statuary along the tops here and there, along with the fancy stonework that had decorated the uppermost stones. The huge gate that must have stood in a thick, towering archway had long ago rotted away and not been rebuilt, though two of the massive hinges remained, furred with rust.

A circle of several dozen brightly colored tents and awnings stood on the level ground before it, already teeming with servants who came to the roadside and bowed to Klia. Smoke rose here and there, bringing with it the smell of roasting meats.

“Shall we stop so you can refresh yourself, Highness?” asked Zella, and Seregil sensed she was in no hurry to enter the city.

“No, let’s go on.”

“Shall I see that the soldiers are billeted, or do you want them to come with you?” asked Captain Brescia.

“Break out a decuria and come with me. Billet the rest here,” Klia replied.

“You’ll be staying here, as well,” Thero told Mika.

“But Master, we’re almost there!” Mika exclaimed, disappointed.

“And I told you already that you can come in when I’ve found it to be safe. No sulking now. You must find us a tent and make sure our baggage is properly stowed. And explore the encampment for me. I’ll expect a full report.”

Mika brightened a little at being trusted with a responsibility. “I’ll make sure everything is taken care of, Master.”

“Very good.”

“I’ll make sure he has a tent close to Klia’s,” said the captain. With that she saluted and rode off to make arrangements.

Klia waved Sedge to her side. “You’ll be our guide from here, Captain. Are you ready?”

The man gave her a brave salute. “I am, Highness.”

“A moment, if you will,” said Thero. “I think it’s best if we take some additional precautions.” He dismounted and pulled a leather tube from his saddlebag. Inside were an ink stone and a small brush. “If someone could lend me a waterskin, please, I’ll make quick work of this.”