But Bifalt knew that Klamath’s friend had a more personal question as well. His family lived in the south of Belleger, in hilly, sheepherding country. If his wife and children had ignored the order to evacuate—

Deliberately, King Bifalt made Matt wait for an answer. He wanted the First Captain’s full attention.

“Very well, sir. We have decisions to make. But first you must hear our tidings. You know that General Klamath has taken a company of Magisters to the Bay of Lights. Now we have received his first report.

“The attack on the bay has begun. The enemy is attempting to break open the reef.”

Matt flinched at this news. The frenzy in his eyes became despair. Clearly, he understood that King Bifalt would have to confront the threat of invasion there. To prevent the enemy from forcing a landing on the strand. Or to keep his foes enclosed in the bay. If Rile’s horde contrived to climb the road and reach easier terrain above the cliffs, it would crush the King’s forces. The death of the realm would begin there.

To Matt, all of this meant that King Bifalt could not defend the remaining pass. An army of raiders would be free to enter Belleger. It might strike straight through Matt’s farmstead.

King Bifalt understood.

Abruptly, he asked, “Do you trust Second Captain Hegels?”

The officer’s eyes widened in confusion.

“I will be clear, sir,” explained the King. “Do you trust Hegels to defend the Open Hand in my absence and General Klamath’s? And yours?”

Matt scowled to control himself. “I do, Majesty. I cannot swear that he is loyal to Belleger. But his devotion to Queen Estie and Amika is absolute. He will give you his best until she recalls him.”

King Bifalt’s hands ached, but not from cold. He wanted to feel the heft of his saber in his grasp; craved the hard certainty of his gun against his shoulder. Lacking his weapons, he locked his arms across his chest.

“In that case, First Captain,” he said grimly, “here are your orders. Do not concern yourself with the Bay of Lights. I will take four squads to support General Klamath.”

Klamath had already committed riflemen to serve Flisk, Forguile, and the cannon. King Bifalt’s reinforcements might be enough to help the cannoneers.

“Order Hegels,” continued the King, “to prepare those men. Warn him to plan for the defense of the Open Hand. Then you, sir, will take the same number south. Depart as soon as you can muster your forces. If or when raiders emerge from the last pass, you will oppose them.

“I will allow you one Magister of earthquake. That Decimate may be useful among the mountains, if you do not make Set Ungabwey’s mistake.”