ALFRED POV

As I lay crouched down beside the bushes, hiding under the cover of the dark, I heard the hooves approaching steadily to the clearing, to the place Amos stood, looking calm like he had been prepped.

I noticed from my hiding spot the uneasiness of the rider and know we will have no choice but to act soon, but I kept watching with bated breath as he gave the clearing one last sweep before approaching the quivering man.

“M—my lord” Amos shuddered, with his head bowed low, “it’s nice to see you again.”

“What’s the update?” The soldier asked bossily as he came down from his horse, “it’s...