It wasn't until he heard the clank of armor and the clop of hooves behind him -- the echo of Liam's caravan finally approaching from behind -- that it occurred to August that he had absolutely no good excuse for being alone in the woods halfway to Verinia. He'd been so preoccupied with joining up with the troop that he'd neglected to think how it would look to Liam. He'd have to think fast.

At the prince's call, the Marshal stopped and turned around promptly, his spine straight as an arrow. He bowed his head slightly in greeting -- and when he looked up, his eyes were flared with anger. "I had chased a witch into the woods," he said gruffly, "and was ambushed by three Verinian agents and a Jockal. I've been captive since last night, and only now gave them the slip. I'd heard through their conversation that there was an ambush on Princess Dorothea's caravan to Itelia, and that the princess was captured. I wouldn't have believed it except there was no way for them to know Dorothea was traveling yesterday unless they were involved. They had mentioned your caravan headed toward the Verinian capital on the King's Road -- they'd kept off the road to avoid you -- I escaped and hoped to meet you on your way. I hadn't wanted to believe that Dorothea has been abducted, but seeing you here must mean it's true."

He paused a moment, and he turned to the side and motioned to Sam. "This is Samantha Shea. She had also been a captive of the bandits, and requires escort home. With your leave I request that she join us to Verinia for the time being."