As expected, the streets of Yerner were empty and quiet when they passed through. With the sun shining overhead, the town was deep in slumber.

  The messenger walked them wearily to the centre of Yerner, where he led them into a small building and to its first door. He knocked, it rattled. “Come in,” came the muffled invitation, and they entered, leaving the spent guide at the portal.

  Two men waited within the dark office. Curtains draped across the windows, dimming the interior to a comfortable level for the two native Medunese. But owing to their three daymen guests, narrow gaps had been left to allow beams of light which played across the redwood desk and planked floor.

  The hosts bowed.

  “My Lady Quartercup,” said the Mayor, the tall one in the middle with a wide smile, “and Master Quartercup. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” He came forward to take Milly’s hand in his night-paled one. “I hope I didn’t interrupt your activities.”

  Able had met the town leader before, upon their arrival to Yerner two days ago when he’d welcomed them at the gates. The other guy, standing off to the side, was a stranger though. Uniformed and armed, Able noted, eyeing the leather scabbard at his belt. The pommel looked well-used. Said experience.

  Then again, what lemen soldier wasn’t experienced in these parts? The grey-haired veteran caught his gaze and looked him up and down for a moment, then flicked his eyes back like magnets to Sarah.

  It was understandable. Sarah looked the more dangerous, cutting an imposing figure up close and indoors, stretching above even the Mayor. She’d had to lower her head to pass through the door. But no lemen was a match for Sarah, or himself.

  “Just Milly’s fine, Mayor Plinley,” returned Milly, “whatever is the matter at this hour? Your messenger’s all worn out.”

  “Ah, Tim’ll be fine. Would you care for refreshments? Please, sit, sit.” Plinley gestured them into wooden chairs, and passed a cup to Milly before grabbing a seat himself. Able would’ve liked to remain standing, as the soldier did, but Milly found his arm and yanked him down next to her. Was that a smirk that just ghosted over the Lemen’s lips?

  “Forgive me for skipping the pleasantries,” said Plinley. “I do wish I had the time, my Lady, but what I have to say is urgent.”

  Milly nodded intently.

  “This is Captain Wilboot, of the Central Meduland Regiment,” said Plinley. “He’s our — Yerner’s — troop commander. This matter involves him.” So he wasn’t the Mayor’s guard. Meaning there was blood among this business. Which was smelling worser by the minute to Able.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Plinley continued. “There’s been some news just now. From the town of Colille. I’ve heard you’ve been before.”

  “Colille? Yes.” Milly nodded.

  “A week ago, a group of their hunters returned from the Blomary Glades, having seen something troubling. Colille sent a squad of scouts to confirm it, and a day ago they returned.” Plinley paused and took a breath. “What they saw was a huge band of trolls, several hundred strong, are heading for Colille. They’re probably already past the Mistfall River by now.”

  Able frowned, unsure whether he’d heard the man right. His sister took a sharp breath beside him.

  Her guard was doubtful too. “I’m sorry. Did you say several hundred trolls? In one group?”

  “It’s true.” Captain Wilboot’s voice was deep and gravelly. “The Regiment posts some of our best scouts at Colille.”

  “What about the messenger?” asked Able. “How trustworthy is the message?”

  If Wilboot or the Mayor felt insulted by that, they didn’t show it. “I trust it like I trust the stars to come out every night. The message arrived off a well-known Regiment rider,” replied the officer, “not an hour ago. He rode day and night with barely a stop to get here, and is recovering in bed now. I could get him for you if you wish, Master Quartercup?”

  “Oh no, of course not Captain,” said Milly hastily. “I believe it. My brother’s just shocked by the news, I’m sure.” She patted Able on the hand.

  Sarah must’ve shared some of Able’s doubt. “But this has never happened before,” she objected. “These numbers are like the North Culling! And that’s not for several months.”

  “Then the Culling’s come early this year,” said Wilboot gravely. “It’s rare, but I’ve seen it happen before. Once when I was a child, and again maybe twenty years ago. Your Ormr Order came the year after.” Able felt Milly fidget slightly at the mention of the Order’s history.

  Sarah wasn’t done. “Fine. But all in one group? The kind of trolls that come for the Culling are never all together. They should be too hungry and aggressive to be able to work together, or even stand each others’ presence without constant fighting.”

  The captain nodded in agreement. “We’re surprised too. The message from Colille said their best guess is the Culling trolls are being led by a strong leader, or group of leaders, this year. It would also explain why they’re early this year. A leader, capable of uniting near five hundred starving trolls, might have the thought to catch us off guard. And it’s worked — they’re just five days from Colille now.”

  Silence entered the office at the foreboding proclamation. What the captain said made sense, thought Able.

  Milly sighed. “I must get a message to father, immediately. The Order must act.”

  “I already sent one as soon as I got the news,” said Plinley. “And I’m sure Colille has sent hers … but …”

  He didn’t need to say it. It had taken their small party three days to get here, travelling north-east from Order Headquarters. Colille was even further north of Yerner. It wasn’t possible that a message could arrive at HQ, and a repelling mage force arrive to the town’s defence, before that five-hundred strong raid stepped upon her fields.

  “Many of our troops won’t make it in time either,” said Wilboot, “except from the nearest garrisons. We’ll likely have to fall back and concede Colille, wait for reinforcements to retake it.” His face turned apologetic. “Since, well, begging your pardon, my lady, but the mages won’t be quick to our aid.”

  Milly stiffened. “They will if they know I’m there.”