***Raizel***
I was reviewing defensive positions with Lord Corvin when Henrik burst into the room, his face flushed from running.
"My lord," he said, breathing hard. "The scouts report a lone traveler approaching from the south, moving quickly on horseback."
My hand stilled on the map. A lone traveler, days after the imperial forces had retreated, could mean several things, none of them good.
"How far out?" I asked.
"About an hour's ride," Henrik said. "They're on the main road, not trying to hide their approach, but the scouts couldn't get close enough to identify them clearly."
"Could be a messenger from the empire," Lord Corvin said, his voice tight with concern. "Or a scout checking our defenses before their reinforcements arrive."
"Or an assassin," I added quietly. After what had happened with General Thorne, I couldn't afford to assume anyone approaching the fortress had peaceful intentions.
