up a bit when Brogan produced a few carrots Caspar had given him.
Brogan was explaining to Belloc the reason for Garnak's absence, for the renowned warrior was to have come himself today as well, but Garnak was leading a patrol northeast up the Old Road at the moment, pursuing heaven knew what. This disturbed Belloc, who asked many questions, few of which Brogan could answer.
As they walked towards the barn, they passed by the line of mounted soldiers who would escort them to Lund. Lily stayed close to Anest's side, staring in wide-eyed wonder at what seemed to her must be an army. There were fifty armoured men on horse, some carrying long spears, the rest with broadswords. All carried great bows and quivers of arrows, and their shields bore the insignia of Brand, a grey-blue X on a white field. She could not imagine anything that could daunt these grim-looking spectres sitting utterly motionless and lining the trail like deep-shadowed statues in the rain.
Looking uphill towards the garrison she spotted more soldiers. A great many more. Clutching Anest's arm, she said his name. He glanced down at her, quickly following the direction of her gaze.
"Ah," he said, "those are more of Garnak's men."
Brogan turned to her, and his look said plainly that he questioned the wisdom of bringing her along. But he said, tactfully, "That is but one patrol of many under the leadership of Garnak the Warrior. Most of them will be staying either in the garrison or in tents. Garnak and his officers will be staying in Belloc's house, directing matters and waiting for reinforcements."