The dying embers cast a faint red glow on the study. Detailed maps marked with troop movements and supply routes were spread across a great oaken desk. Leatherbound volumes lined the walls. Titles ranging from "Genealogies of Carcassone" to "Tacticae Noblis" numbered among them. The faint drizzle of rain was the only sound. Baron Gideon Ce'dareaux sat in a velvet cushioned chair, back to the desk. His eyes locked on the fireplace, but his mind elsewhere. A letter from D'Aubigine lay open yet unread in his lap.

"Mi'lord." Gideon turned away from the embers to where Kharl had entered the room, relief at finding his lord awake written across his face. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but a girl in rags claiming to be Chevalier Dormin's daughter is demanding to see you."

Kharl paused, "We would have turned her away, but she bore his signet."

Gideon rose and stoked the embers, "Bring her up, then send for mulled wine and whatever you can find in the kitchens."

The girl arrived a few minutes later. Gideon studied her in the flickering light. She was not much older than Gerard. Her angular jaw was thrust out defiantly, though her limbs trembled and gave lie to her expression. She wore what might have once been a blue dress, it's original color obscured by dirt and signs of hurried travel. Her hair was a tangled mass of leaves and mud. 

Kharl entered the room with a tray of cold meats and olives. He placed a pitcher and two goblets between them. When Kharl had left Gideon motioned for the girl to eat. She whimpered a muted and thanks and fell upon the tray with a vengeance. Gideon poured a glass first for her and then himself. He kept his silence all through her meal and observed her from the lip of his goblet.

When she had finished Gideon called Kharl, who gathered the tray and disappeared. "Show me your father's ring, girl."

She fumbled with a pouch at her side and proffered a jade ring with a swan etched on it's face. He gestured for her to keep it.

"Tell me your story."

The girl's name was Claire and she had been on the road for five nights. Afraid to travel at day she had slept under bushes. She knew only that her mother asked her to seek her father's lord, Baron Ce'dareaux. When questioned as to why she had sought him out Claire looked at her feet before continuing. She described strange men, armed for battle, led by one in the king's colors. The men had entered the village of Casimir, Dormin's holding, and began to take prisoners. When some thought to protect their family, friends, or property the strange men drew steel and slaughtered villagers indiscriminately.

"Then Papa drew his sword and they filled him with arrows. The king's man started reading from a scroll, saying that by his actions Papa had forfeit his title. All the while he gave me this smile and then afterward he dragged me to the mill. I fought him. I fought all I could but he was so strong and held me down. I... I just..."

Gideon swallowed his anger and stood. He knelt and placed a large hand gently on her shoulder. She cringed, pulled away before suddenly throwing her arms around his neck and sobbing into his shoulder. She shook with intermittent wails. In seemingly no time she lay curled in the chair, dozing fitfully for the first time in what Gideon imagined to be a good while. 

He would need to make his move immediately. Gideon surveyed one of his maps intently. How many men did he have gathered here in Voltas? Five dozen at last count. They would need to be moved out in separate groups to avoid suspicion. He could send Lanzerac and about two dozen with orders to run maneuvers two days travel from the capitol in Corry Field. The others could leave a dozen at a time under the pretext of relieving those on drill. Gideon himself would have to stay in the city. How to gather his bannermen? The Rydar would ride for him, there was no doubt. But a call to arms would alert Conqvist. It was best to play it safe. It would take four to six days to gather his cavalry in Corry Field, he would have to think of something before then.

A sharp sneeze sounded from the stairwell and shook him from his reverie. Gerard sat on a step glaring reproachfully at one of two elkhounds that lay below him on the steps.

"Last I left you were snoring into a copy of Orastes' Monarchy." Gideon commented dryly.

"I hope that was Orastes' intent, it seems all the essay is good for." quipped the young Ce'dareaux.

Gideon idly wondered how long his son had been there. The boy was intelligent. And sharp.

His thoughts were answered when Gerard said, "You have that look that you get when you're planning for battle. That tells me that the girl there brought troubling news."

Gerard grew silent, waiting for his father's response. After a time Gideon answered.

"Indeed."

Gerard nodded his understanding. 

"She came here late at night." It was not a question."Which means she had an item or knowledge that gave the guards pause and that is why they did not turn her away."

"She showed them a signet ring." Gideon replied. He felt a mix of pride and fascination as he could almost see the gears turn in Gerard's mind.

After a time the boy came to some conclusion and bid his father good night. Gerard stood and walked back up to the library, his curiosity satisfied. The two elkhounds silently shadowed his footsteps.