Whisper strode across the bridge, Rennic leading the mule behind her, while Tarfel trotted alongside. They were the last people on the bridge now. The weak sun was high somewhere in the leaden northern sky, although the vicious wind that blew across the bridge robbed it of any warmth it might otherwise have offered. Chel quickened his steps again, telling himself that the thudding of his pulse in his ears was only from the speed at which they were crossing the foaming river, and nothing to do with the sharp, fluttery feeling in his gut.

‘Do you think there really was a rider?’ He kept his voice low as he caught up with Rennic, working hard not to look back over his shoulder at the dwindling bank.

‘Maybe. Maybe not. Nothing we can do about it now except get inside.’

‘Are they going to be all right?’

‘They’ll be fine.’ He didn’t look back either.

‘Are you s—’

‘Shepherd’s tits, little man, they’ll be just grand, understand? They’ll be exemplary. They’re professionals. Despite whatever lists that ink-fucker on the bridge might keep.’

Hushed but not reassured, Chel followed the others into the sumptuous might of the gatehouse.

***

‘Four Wars! Eastern Eagle! You’re really still alive.’

A broad man in a long, dark coat was approaching them across the stable-yard, a powerful dappled horse tied up behind him. Three spearmen waited beside it, weapons loose against their shoulders but angles precise. Their livery was mottled with stars. He was northern, a decent size, passing Rennic’s shoulder in height, his girth wrapped in a thick belt beneath the long coat. His beard and hair were short, wiry and more salt than pepper, his smile wide and seemingly genuine.

Rennic grunted. ‘Fest. It’s been a while.’

The two men clasped hands, although Chel detected reserve on Rennic’s side. The newcomer’s exposed arm boasted almost as many regimental tattoos as Rennic’s.

‘You got fat, I see.’

‘Ah, the perils of a well-run company.’ Fest grinned again, this time his eyes not quite so sparkly. ‘You’ve kept your narrow bones though, eh?’

‘Most of them.’

‘Heard you’d struck out on your own,’ Fest said, scanning the three others. ‘Is this your company?’

Rennic bared his teeth. ‘Plenty more waiting across the river. You’re here for the council?’

Fest affected surprise. ‘There’s a council here? Today?’ He smiled again, and this time Chel watched closely to see if it reached his eyes. ‘Of course, of course. They couldn’t start the thrice-damned thing without me. You coming inside?’

‘Of course. Little man, tie up the mule.’

***