Bifalt kept one window open to the winter air. It reminded him of what his people endured on the road to Amika. But he had a fire blazing in the hearth. The Land-Captain stood near it, rubbing his hands in the heat. Elgart had found a flask of wine that Prince Lome had left behind. Holding a full goblet, he sprawled in one of the chairs to rest and drink.

Erepos was a short, thick man with a wide variety of smiles. Some were genial. Others threatened or warned, disarmed or cajoled, accepted or countered. At the moment, his smile was thoughtful. While he waited for Bifalt’s questions, he watched the flames in the hearth as if they held Belleger’s future.

The King considered Elgart for a moment, then began with the Land-Captain.

“How is Matt? What do the physicians say?”

Erepos gave the King a rueful look like an apology. “He is strong, Majesty. Remarkable, really. The physicians and Magister Solace agree. The poison has left him. He can be moved safely.” The Land-Captain sighed. “But he will not regain his sight.”

Bifalt scowled. Losing Matt grieved him. It would do worse to Klamath. But that did not explain the Land-Captain’s air of apology.

“What of his family?” asked the King.

Erepos allowed himself a happier moment. “Fortunately, they left their sheep as soon as Crickin warned them. His wife. Two sons and a daughter.” There had been three sons until Mattwil had sacrificed himself. “The woman, Matta, is furious at everyone. But she and her offspring give the First Captain better care than we could manage.”

By increments, the Land-Captain’s smile slipped. It became rueful again. “Because he is the First Captain, Majesty, and his family has lost a son, and for General Klamath’s sake—” He hesitated, then said, “I sent them to Amika in your carriage.”

“A good choice, Erepos.” Apparently, Bifalt had forgotten how to laugh. Perhaps he had never known. The idea that he might have refused the use of his carriage was absurd. “I should have offered it at once.”

“I am glad you approve, Majesty.” Politely relieved, the Land-Captain proceeded to report on the condition of the el-Algreb after their first day with rifles. When he was done, he produced one of his more anxious smiles. “Magister Crawl is pleased with his preparations, Majesty.” Now he did not hesitate. “But I am concerned for the evacuation.”

“How so?”

“Your people are Bellegerin, Majesty.” Erepos let his vexation show. “Stubborn as rocks. Some cannot shift their minds from one thought to another. And most of them have already left their homes once.” They had been displaced by the privations of the old wars. “They resist.

“Prince Lome does what he can. He argues. He commands. He pleads. Elgart’s presence helps him. But still—” He spread his hands helplessly. “Your people resist.”

King Bifalt frowned. “How many?”