The first rays of dawn painted the sky with streaks of pale rose and gold when the sound reached them – the unmistakable beat of hooves on the forest floor. It grew steadily louder, the rhythm of approaching riders cutting through the morning stillness.
Dasheill was the first to react, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. He moved to the door, peering through the gaps in the wood. a waved of sharp and fleeting relief, flickered across his face.
"It's Imperial Knights," he announced, stepping back into the hut. "They're here."
Silver stirred on the bed, her fever-glazed eyes fluttered open. Her body was still heavy.
Alek remained unconscious, his breathing growing shallow. What happened the previous had drained them all to their limits.
"Knights?" she murmured, struggling to sit up as the Duke help her.
