---
Meanwhile outside the city, Butler Stephen entered Mihos's camp much faster than he normally allowed himself to move.
He did not run. A man who had served powerful nobles for as long as Stephen had did not suddenly begin running through a camp unless death was directly behind him. Even so, the guards noticed the difference immediately. His steps were longer, his face was tighter, and he did not stop when one of the outer attendants tried to ask whether he wished to announce himself first.
He pushed through the entrance of Mihos's pavilion.
"Young master."
