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Ceadric grins at him and says, “I never in my life thought the ruthless Black Hawk would ever be called ‘grampa’.” At that he chuckles as does many of the others who overheard the exchange.

“We all get old,” he replies, “if we’re lucky.”

In the fore of the column ride James and Illan with Ceadric and Jiron just behind them. The rest follow along at the rear. They ride toward town and when they get there, James is surprised at how many of the townsfolk have turned out. Seems rumors have been circulating about the events of the night before, that Illan is actually Black Hawk and that he’s going to thump the Empire just as he did before.

“Illan!” he hears from those in the street. “Is it true you’re going to take on the Empire again?”

“Looks that way,” he replies.

“Give ‘em hell!” another shouts out.

“That’s the plan,” he exclaims and a cheer erupts from the onlookers.

They work their way through town and the people steadily fall behind until finally dropping out of sight. He takes them along a dirt road which he says will lead to Brook’s Hollow. Before they even get there, the smell of wood smoke reaches them.

Along the way, several riders come up from behind, those just now arriving in answer to Illan’s call. When they reach the group, they fall in behind with the rest of Black Hawk’s men.

What awaits them at Brook’s Hollow is even more than what Illan expected. Five hundred men at least await them there. The majority are those who served with him before, but many brought their sons along to follow his banner. The banner bearing Black Hawk’s insignia stands proudly in the center of the assembled men, blowing proudly in the breeze.

“I didn’t realize there were that many left,” Illan says in amazement.

Ceadric comes up next to him. “More may be on the way, it’s hard to know for sure.”

James looks out over the mass of men and can only look on in awe. Never had he thought he would have such a force of men for what he plans to do. This may work out after all.

A tall rider, well over six feet tall with gray peppering his black hair, comes forward from the men awaiting them and comes to a stop before Illan. “Sir!” he says with a salute. After Illan returns the salute, the man says, “All are ready. Each has three days of supplies and is eager to go.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Illan tells him. To those riding with him, he says, “Stay here a moment.” Moving forward alone, he addresses those in the Hollow. Raising his voice to carry to the farthest man he says, “Madoc has been victimized again by the Empire. Again, Black Hawk’s Raiders are summoned to show them the error of their ways.”

A whoop and holler erupts from the men and he’s forced to pause a moment until they’ve quieted back down enough so they’ll be able to hear him. “Our goal is simple. Drive them out or die to the last man!” Again, a cheer erupts, oaths are sworn and the men rattle their swords in their sheathes.

When again the Hollow is quiet, Illan hollers out, “This time, I do not lead.” A murmur runs through the men at that. He holds up his hand for quiet. When he has it, he motions James to come forward and stand next to him. Once he’s there, Illan turns back to the assembled men and says, “This is James, a mage of fearsome power who leads this company. I have sworn him my support for the trials ahead. If you follow me, you follow him.” He glances around at the assembled faces and then says, “What say you? Will you follow?”

To a man they yell, “Yes!” The sound of their voices rings out across the hills.

“Then, let’s go teach the Empire a lesson they’ll never forget!” he hollers and turns around to face the direction they just came from. To Ceadric he says, “Just as before, you’re my second. Keep the chain of command the same as it was before.”

“Aye sir,” he says and then moves toward those waiting in the Hollow.

“Inspiring,” James says as they get underway to return to town.

Illan gives him a grin and replies, “It’s expected. Something for them to tell their grandkids about.