Balian’s trip home from Varnhold had been tiring. He had slept less than usual while camped at night. Balian felt the eyes of the southron woman on him all the way back to Stagfell. If she were a northerner, he may have been able to discern her true purpose. However, despite all the time he spent fighting beside Zuhair, the southron ways were still a mystery to him, especially the women. He had heard that Keleshite ladies wore veils from head to foot, yet Zuhair’s sister wore less than some of the painted whores in Stagfell. Kamilah’s loyalty was seemingly bought, but his instincts told him to remain uneasy. Balian kept Thornblade loose in its sheath. Wearing no armor and scant clothes, she would move fast if she struck. What her steel lacked in raw strength she made up for in finesse. If the Baron felt threatened, he did not display it. Thoughts of his approaching marriage keep Raam occupied no doubt. Balian decided not to trouble the Baron but remained watchful. In addition, he did not want to offend the swordmaiden in case his instincts were wrong. Balian wrote off his suspicions by the time the group arrived in Stagfell. Zuhair may have failed in his duties, but he was not treacherous. Neither was his sister.
There were more things happening with Baron Raam than just his marriage. The Baron seemed like a changed man ever since the Fey Ball. Some worried that the influence of the Fey had overtaken the ruler. Balian did his best to correct them whenever he heard these concerns. Balian saw a young man that was growing up. He saw the Baron beginning to take less interest in the pleasures of the flesh and more interest in affairs of state and ruling well. Balian had always served the Baron out of loyalty. However, now he felt a growing sense of pride that he was indeed serving a very capable liege.
A light knock at the door was a welcome distraction, “Enter.”
In slipped a young woman bearing a bundle. Korenna was a young wetnurse that Svetlana found to keep their daughter cared for when she was away on duties. “Someone will like to kiss you goodnight mi'Lord General.” She handed the bundle over to Balian. Swaddled inside was a baby girl with Balian’s blond hair and Svetlana’s eyes. Balian smiled, “Good evening sweet child. You must miss your mother. Even infants must persevere in the face of duty.” Balian held his face close and let the small hands caress his face.
Another knock at the door interrupted the moment. "Lord, a rider brings a message for you," a Shrike house guard announced from the threshold. Balian sighed and handed his daughter back over to the wetnurse who retreated from the room. Balian looked back down at his documents, "Very well, send him in."
A moment later, a man entered wearing a dirty Miras tabard. Dust from the road caked his unshaven face and his eyes were red from exhaustion. "My Lord General!"
Balian frowned, "You are one of the Baron's couriers." It was common for messengers or outriders to stop at Carseld to rest and switch horses. However, it was rare that one of them wanted to speak to Balian at such a late hour.
"Yes Lord Shrike, I've rode from Varnhold with as much haste as I could muster from my horse. I traveled there to deliver correspondence, only nobody was there."
Balian frowned and a heavy pit began forming in his stomach. "What do you mean nobody was there?"
"The town was shrouded in fog and not a soul to be seen. Not even, um, Lady Shrike I'm sad to say."
Balian's chair clattered to the floor as he started out of the room. "Get some water and refresh yourself quickly. You are tired but we must make Stagfell tonight."
Balian had his armor packed and rode out with two horses so that he might save Tyre's strength. He left Cearl, captain of his guard, in charge of Carseld.
When he reached the main road, he wheeled his horses around once and briefly considered riding by himself toward Varnhold immediately. No, remember your duty. The Baron must be warned. Balian and the courier raced through the moonlight towards Stagfell, the white road smoking behind them.
