The information from the bleeding defector hung heavily over the fortress for the rest of the day. In the central solar, Kaelen stood by the cedar desk, his eyes fixed on the map of the southern valley. Since Nila had been worried about what the defect had said, Kaelen summoned Marcus to help him plan a way in order to save the Down Pack residents.

"We cannot march the vanguard across the river border," Marcus said, his voice flat as he leaned against the stone hearth. "The judges gave Richard until the full moon. If our warriors cross that line now, it constitutes an illegal invasion. The Alliance will strip...