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“Should we ride closer and let them see who it is that’s come to join the fight?” asks Ceadric. The revelation that Black Hawk has joined the fray would definitely send ripples of uncertainty and perhaps a little bit of fear through the soldiers.

Illan shakes his head and says, “No. Now is not the time.”

“They’ll know before too much longer,” Jiron says from his position behind them.

“When they do, they do,” he says and the tone of his voice tells them this conversation is over.

As they draw close to the north gate, they find it shut tight. Previously, it had been left open allowing refugees the opportunity to escape the coming conflict. By this time though, anyone who was going to flee would already have done so.

A crowd gathers along the wall over the gate as word spreads of the approaching force. When they’re finally able to see the Black Hawk banner flying in the wind, a cheer goes up from the defenders.

As they come within a couple hundred feet of the gate, it begins to swing open and six men ride out to meet them. In the center of the group is none other than Lord Pytherian himself. His aide Henri rides beside him as well as four other military officers.

“Greetings Black Hawk,” Lord Pytherian says as the two parties come together and stop.

“Milord,” Illan replies back.

“It’s been awhile,” he says.

A chuckle can be heard from the helm. “You could say that,” he replies.

Lord Pytherian finally glances at the others riding with the famed Black Hawk and his eyes widen when he discovers James there beside him. “As I live and breathe,” he says. “Am I glad to see you.”

“Sounds like you are about to have your hands full,” he says. “Good to see you again milord.”

“You too, James,” he replies and then turns his attention back to Illan.

“There are many things which we need to discuss,” Illan tells him.

“Indeed,” he replies as he turns back toward the city.

Across the river, soldiers of the Empire are taking a most interested look at the new arrivals. From their vantage point across the river, it’s hard to tell whether or not they have made out the banner. From the lack of excitement, James figures they haven’t yet done so.

At the gate, soldiers and civilians who have stayed behind to aid in Lythylla’s defense gather to greet the new arrivals. Shouts of “Black Hawk” and other exclamations greet them as they enter the city. The way they’re greeting him, you would think Illan was a returning conquering hero. Thinking back on the tales of his exploits, it may not be far from the truth.

James takes a good look at the walls of the city as they continue along. Several catapults are stationed evenly across the wall facing the river which will be able to rain stone and fire upon those attempting to breach the walls. He almost feels sorry for the enemy. Almost.

Lord Pytherian brings them to a plaza close to the castle area that had at one time been an open air market. Now the stalls lie closed and the whole area is deserted. “Your men can have this area while you’re here,” he tells them.

To Ceadric, Illan says, “Get the men settled in and wait for our return.”

“Aye sir,” he says and then begins barking orders as he does as bidden.

To Delia and Jiron, James says, “You better stay here too. Stay close to the others and watch for strangers. You never know.”

“You got it,” Jiron tells him.

In the center of the plaza is a statue of a rearing horse. The man with the Black Hawk banner goes to it and manages to secure the banner there so it will fly free with the breeze. Illan looks at it for a moment and then turns to go with James as Lord Pytherian takes them to the castle.

“What’s the situation?” asks Illan.

“Let’s talk about that inside,” he replies.

Illan looks to James with worry. Not wishing to talk about it in public can only be a bad sign. James nods his head in understanding.

After they enter the gates leading to the castle area, they make their way across the courtyard. At the castle entrance they dismount and then pass through the gates leading