When they remarked about it to the wizard, Binnesman told them, “This the oaks do in respect for their new king.” And they found it was true. Every oak in all the Dunnwood had dropped its leaves in a single night.

Yet on that track, Gaborn found what seemed to him to be an even greater wonder. For as he rode, a man came out of the woods, riding a great imperial warhorse and wearing a robe of gold silk. A fat man, old and dark of skin. He tossed a jeweled dagger to the ground, and Gaborn recognized Raj Ahten’s counselor from the Seven Standing Stones.

“All hail the King of Earth,” the man said in a thick accent, folding his hands beneath his chin and bowing his head.

“I know your face,” Gaborn said.

“My life is forfeit, if you wish to take it,” the counselor said. “Or, if you wish, I will serve you. My name is Jureem.”

Gaborn stared into the man’s face a moment. “For long, the servants of Fire have bedazzled you. How can I trust you?”

“I was a slave, the son of a slave,” Jureem said. “My father believed that a good servant was the best of men, and a good servant would anticipate his lord’s needs. If you have not done so already, I bid you send messengers to Indhopal, bearing the news that an Earth King has risen in Heredon, and that Raj Ahten flees before him. Tell the people also that Raj Ahten fights the earth powers in his attempt to bring down the Kingdoms of Rofehavan.

“In Orwynne, two hundred thousand troops have laid siege to the capital. They have orders to simply hold the capital, draw off defenders, so that no aid may come here to Heredon.

“In your own homeland of Mystarria, three of your southern castles will have fallen by now. I will tell you the names of the lords who hold those keeps. I believe Raj Ahten will not return home, but will instead flee to one of those strongholds to advance his conflict.

“I will tell you also the castles where Raj Ahten has hidden his Dedicates, and give you the names and descriptions of his most important vectors.

“Whatever my lord desires, that will I give. For I, too, will now serve the earth.

“Great is the battle you have won, milord, but I promise you, it is only the beginning.”

Gaborn wondered at all of this. “So you think that if I spread dissent in his homelands, Raj Ahten will be forced to retreat?”

Jureem shook his head. “I am thinking very much that he will not retreat, but such news will distract him. I am thinking, O Great Light, that I can be of some small help to win this war, if you let me. I offer myself as your good servant.”