They took her, the servant said. They waited until she came into the inn with her men, and they killed the men, and… they captured her; her and her maids. They kept her here, hurt her, and now theyre riding for the South.

And they left you alive to tell us this? Vars asked, not entirely believing it. When one did evil things, it was better to do them in secret, away from prying eyes. He knew that as well as anyone.

They wanted people to know, the young woman said. They killed some of the maids, but others… they sent them out with the news. They left me here. They want people to know what they did, that they could get to the princess even here. That they have her.

Vars let out a shout that was pure frustration and anger. Those around must have taken it for anger that his sister had been captured like that, that she was in danger. It was more than that, though, so much more. It was the fact that others knew what had happened here, thanks to those the Quiet Men had let go. It was the frustration that others would, inevitably, know about his failure.

It was the understanding of what he would need to do next.

How many of them are there? he demanded.

A… maybe a dozen, the woman said.

A dozen had done all of this? Still, at least there was one advantage to that: they outnumbered them. Vars liked it when he outnumbered his opponents.

Gather the men, Vars snapped.

What about this one? the sergeant asked, with a nod to the woman whod been left.

My sisters the one who matters!

She was the one whose safety would count to their father. Come back with her, and Vars could make up any story he wanted about being delayed on the road, then still be counted as a hero. Come back without…

It wouldnt come to that; Vars wouldnt allow it.

He went to his horse, vaulting into the saddle like some hero out of a song. The irony of it wasnt lost on him as his men gathered, forming up together as precisely as if theyd been commanded by a real leader.

Vars drew his sword, which was more than he usually did in a fight. He looked out over the men.

You, see if there are any horses left in the stables. The rest of you, get ready to march, double time. There were a few murmurs from within the ranks, but Vars silenced them with a glare. My sister, your princess, is in danger! King Ravins men are taking her back to the Southern Kingdom, and that means crossing the bridges. If we reach them first, we can still stop them, still save her! Every man here can be a hero!