Udinaas strode to the table where sat a jug of Letherii wine. ‘I visited Dresh, once,’ he said as he poured out two cups full. ‘And ate smoked Moss River eel. Would you like me to tell about Moss River eels, Emperor?’ He carried the two goblets over to the Edur seated on the throne.
‘Is it inconsequential?’
Udinaas hesitated, then nodded. ‘It is.’
‘Then, yes, Udinaas. We would.’
Seren Pedac and the Crimson Guardsmen rode at a canter. Half a league ahead was the town of Dissent. It had once been walled, but local builders had dismantled most of the stonework long ago. The town had since grown outward in a mostly chaotic manner, swallowing commons and nearby farms. But now Dissent was barely visible, devoured in turn by at least three encamped armies.
‘Crimson Rampant Brigade,’ Seren said, scanning the distant banners. ‘Snakebelt Battalion, and the Riven Brigade.’
‘Can we ride straight through?’ Iron Bars asked.
She glanced across at him, then nodded. ‘I think so. My apologies. I’m a little shocked, that’s all. If this is all that’s left of the frontier armies…’
‘The ground ahead is not ideal for a battle,’ the Avowed judged. ‘I’d be surprised if the king intended to await the Edur here. Can you think of anywhere else close by that might be better suited?’
‘Brans Keep, in the hills a few leagues northeast of Dissent.’
‘And Dissent is the nearest major town?’
‘Apart from Letheras itself,’ Seren said.
‘Then this is temporary encampment. When the Tiste Edur draw closer, those three armies will march to Brans Keep. Assuming the warlord commanding them has any wits at all. In any case, Acquitor, other Letherii forces might already be waiting there, at Brans Keep. It’s a question of logistics, keeping these ones here.’
‘I hope you are right. Then again, I wonder if it will make any difference.’
‘We’re far from the sea, Seren,’ Iron Bars said. ‘That demon the Edur have chained can’t reach here, and that evens things some.’
A worthy try, Iron Bars . ‘Another day to Outkeep, then we should reach Letheras the following day, well before dusk.’
‘Could we hasten that, Acquitor? These soldiers camped ahead, might they be prepared to exchange horses?’
‘If I insist, yes.’