"A great victory, eh?" Wavesun asked as he watched the militia depart.

Alistair said nothing, simply sheathing his claymore as he climbed down from the platform.

"They're going to find out the truth sooner or later," Wavesun pressed.

"There's no benefit to them learning it now," Alistair replied. "Any of them who were paying attention are probably aware that four platoons failed to return. Tis best that they drink and be merry for one last night. Worrying about these matters will only harm them."

"And what of you? Will you be accompanying them in their feasting?"

"Someone has to worry about these matters. If the king won't, then I will," said Alistair, with a steely glint in his eye.

"He's not going to be happy that you knighted the half-elf. He's already wary of the otherworlders. He'll see it as you starting your own faction. Perhaps even as the seed of a rebellion."

"I gave him forty years to be a proper ruler. Forty years I've been earl of Crowsea and I've done nothing with my power. Well, no longer. If the king refuses to help the people of Nova.n.a.lba, then I will," Alistair spat, his voice dripping with venom.

"So long as the king has the second prince whispering in his ear, he won't support the commonfolk, and he'll never support the otherworlders," Wavesun said heavily.

"He is shortsighted and foolish. For too long, Nova.n.a.lba has suffered while the king allows the n.o.bles to plunder the labours of her people. Well no longer."

"Careful," Wavesun cautioned, "that's treason if the king hears,"

"As if he'd leave those gilded walls of his," Alistair snorted. "Don't worry, Wavesun - I won't go against the king. But I refuse to stay silent any longer."

At this, a huge grin broke out across Wavesun's face.

"Finally! My father's been waiting years for you to say those words. He'd almost given up hope."

"It may yet be too late. The Ironfrost Horde is on the move. We failed to thwart their plans today, and even if we had, I fear the Ironfrost King has more up his sleeve," Alistair replied darkly.

"Is their king really that terrifying? I thought he was only a prince during the last war."

"He's far smarter than his father was, and also far more cunning. His followers also adore him. If he'd been in charge of the horde during the last war, Nova.n.a.lba may no longer exist today."

Falling silent, Wavesun regarded Alistair's back as the old commander walked forwards.

"Do you have a plan then?" he asked at last.

"The otherworlders are the key to all this. If the king won't make use of them, then I will. But first, we need to draw as many other n.o.bles into our faction as we can. I can't support a force of the size required to withstand the Ironfrost Horde with just the resources of Crowsea. For that I'll need the help of our fellow n.o.bles."

"Well I'm glad to hear you've at least realized you can't do it all alone," Wavesun commented dryly. "Any you had in mind?"

"Good ones - the Mooncrests, Ravenhorns, Greenhills, and the like. I trust I have the support of the Wavesuns as well?"

"Of course," Wavesun swore.

"We need to ama.s.s power and begin shoring up the defenses of the north. Too many villages are basically defenseless against an attack. We need to ensure that they at least have a fighting chance, and we need to make sure that we have the forces necessary to save those who don't."

"We prepare for war then."

"Yes."

Falling silent once more, Wavesun followed Alistair, ducking into the empty village as they headed for the militia barracks. Outside the village walls, the feast raged on as the militia drank and danced.