"You didn't know the king was dead before you started," Rory said with a nod.
"No, we didn't. We were on the road for several weeks and coming at your king's request."
"Not my king," Rory reminded her. She made a sign as though to say it hardly mattered, and she was right.
Rory turned his attention to Unanik. "And you are not here at Queen Intesia's behest," Rory said.
Unanik's face colored, and his hand jerked toward his sword. Rory retreated a couple steps, but the man got better control in the next breath.
"I know what's been said about Queen Intesia and me," he finally said. "I find it -- I will not -- it is --" He stopped and shook his head. "No, she did not send me. The orders came from the king by special messenger. I was to go and meet up with the Sciwhen forces and escort them to the city, avoiding as much trouble along the way as possible."
"But the King is dead," Jamison said.
"And I knew that before I got here. However, knowing that the Sciwhen forces would still be on the way and might not even know the news, I realized my duty was still to make the rendezvous and find out what General Junal intended to do now."
"The other soldiers out there?" Jamison asked with a slight wave to the northwest.
"Not hers or mine. They may be out of Euriday. They could be from Sundry -- but my guess is Euriday and a group I've had trouble with before."
"Oh, for the love of the Gods," Jamison all but shouted. "Tell me this isn't trouble from the New Order of Man followers."
Rory ran through the little bit he knew about the cult. He had never given them much notice -- just one of dozens of strange groups that found their way to the capital -- just as they did in Sundry -- to harangue anyone within reach.
They did have a high proportion of military members. Their only strong belief seemed to be that all the world must be ruled by a single elite military command.
He would not have considered them dangerous except for that link to the Euriday military. They were not a group Rory had felt was a problem. He could not tell if his friends took it seriously or were just grabbing at anything they could consider.
Rory decided he didn't care. This was not his job. In fact, it was time to leave this odd group behind and head fast for Sundry and the Queen. He had reports to make --
Rory even glanced in that direction, only to find Temple Master Pyrida striding his way, a pack slung over his shoulder.
"I am heading back to Sundry. You will stay with your companions and report the results of this unusual situation when you have some answers."
He almost protested, but his body reacted with a proper bow before his mouth could open and get him in trouble. Prydia gave one nod and turned toward the horse someone brought for him. Four Sundry soldiers had mounted to go with him.
Pyrida started to turn his horse and stopped. "We will have much to discuss your behavior and use of Temple secrets when this is done."
Rory said nothing as he watched the group ride away and tried to wish them luck.
"Rory?" Zorian said with a hint of worry.
He turned to find Zorian, Jamison, and Keltrina all had moved up to his back, and they all looked worried.
"Pyrida sent me out at the Queen's request," Rory reminded him. "I don't know what the man could have expected me to do differently. He can hint at a threat all he likes, but he'll have to answer to Queen Calladona."
"And you trust her to be on your side?" Jamison asked as they all went to gather their few belongings.
"She'll listen to Rory," Zorian said with solid conviction. "And she'll listen to me. Do we ride to her, Rory?"
"Not yet. Pyrida told me to stay with the trouble. Besides, it would hardly do to head home before I found an answer, would it?" He walked a few steps while trying to minimize his limp and curb his anger. "Any answer at this point."
No one argued.
Before long, they were trailing behind the Sciwhen soldiers and before the Sundry group. The Euridays provided cover in the back and some scouts ahead. They did not rush, but by midday, they were well back into Euriday territory, and coming closer to the hills they would either have to climb again or find a way around.
Or take another direction. The generals directed their forces down a narrower trail heading to the south and away from the city.
"Why this way?" Jamison dared to ask when Unanik walked back the line. "This isn't the direction to the capital."
"No, it isn't," he said and grinned. "It is the way to the harbor and our ships, though."
The words delighted him with the thought that they would not be walking all the way back to the city. They camped that night with only half a day more to walk. Rory ate little food and curled up to sleep, glad for a few more hours of rest.
After some biscuits and tea, they were back on the trail, spread out farther because of the narrow path. It made everyone uneasy. They moved at a faster pace, and scouts from all three forces took to the surrounding hillsides and meadows. Rory didn't think anyone would get past those soldiers, each group in good-natured rivalry to outdo the other two.
Rory left the Sundry forces to Prince Palkin without any protest. He'd learned that when Temple Master Pyrida had joined the march, he had assumed command. Rory was so inclined, having had little military training.
He didn't want a war.
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