"What do you mean?" said Bix and Nylandor together.
"I know these dwellings well!" she blurted. "Look! No smoke comes from their chimneys! No fishermen are about! Where is everyone?"
Bix turned to his signalman. "Tell the other ships to anchor. We will land here. The young lady is right. I don't like the look of this."
Rhia wanted to go ashore, but Nylandor forestalled her as the longboats were lowered. "Stay close to me! No matter what happens, don't run. Do you understand?"
She nodded, mutely.
As their longboat approached the shore, her apprehension grew. Everything was deathly quiet. Not even the gulls were to be seen or heard.
As the soldiers leapt from the boats, Rhia watched them move quickly up the beach, taking up position, sending advance scouts. Bix, she saw, remained with the longboats, with a hundred well-armed of his crew.
When they reached the outskirts of the town, Nylandor turned to Amrhost, his mien adamant. "Time to show what you're made of, northerner! Take half the company down this road following the beach. Take Rhia to guide you. I will hold you personally responsible for her safety! Julina and I will head to the town's centre."
Amrhost tried to protest, but Nylandor was already gone. Amrhost cursed in affronted anger, not having intended to become involved in the affairs here. He had hoped Hollind would merely provide him with a back door to the East, and eventually, the Burning Lands.