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the watula in a caravan under another clan’s colors,” suggested Lord Marshal Yenga. “You have other clans that owe allegiance to you.”
    Lord Marak was silent for some time as he stopped pacing and stood staring at the map. Finally, he sat down in his chair and waved for the others to sit down.
    “How large an escort did Lord Sevrin bring with him to the meeting?” asked Lord Marak.
    “Just a squad of Ragatha soldiers,” answered the lord marshal.
    “And how large does Netura estimate the ambushers to be?” inquired the lord.
    “He suspected at least two squads,” replied Yenga, “probably a corte.”
    “That is what I would expect to make the ambush easy,” nodded Lord Marak. “When Lord Sevrin leaves Fardale, I want him to leave with two cortes of Ragatha troops in addition to his squad. We should have spare Ragatha uniforms at Woodville. It used to be a Ragatha estate.”
    “The uniforms will be no problem,” nodded Yenga. “What do you want me to order the two cortes to do?”
    “I am not sure yet,” admitted Lord Marak, “but if you are correct about a spy in our midst, then I want some troops smuggled out of Fardale. This meeting of the lords is the perfect time to do it. Also, make sure that we have a mage who is capable of using an air tunnel among the soldiers.”
    “Make sure that Lord Sevrin is the last lord to leave,” suggested Fisher. “We do not want the other lords to notice his escort.”
    “You suspect one of my lords is the spy?” asked Lord Marak as his eyes narrowed.
    “The average clan member does not have the consistent capability of getting word out to the attackers,” shrugged Fisher. “If there is a spy, it is from someone high up in the clans that owe their allegiance to you.”
    “Make it so,” Lord Marak said to Lord Marshal Yenga. “Fisher, find yourself a Torak uniform quickly. I want you to be one of the guards in the meeting room today. Observe everyone, and we will meet again afterwards.”
    “I have a uniform with me,” grinned Fisher as Lord Marak gave him a puzzled look. “There is one other thing that you should be aware of. Lord Marak and the Torak clan are the talk of Khadoratung. Everyone is trying to figure out how you came into power here in Fardale, obtained Woodville from the Ragatha clan, and two other estates from the Situ clan. As you are aware, people in the capital do not normally think of clans this far away as anything worth talking about, so it should cause you some concern that you are the topic of their conversations.”
    “That is troubling,” agreed Lord Marak. “All of my clans together are nothing compared to the rest of Khadora. Why do you suppose they have taken notice of dealings out here on the frontier?”
    “Primarily your abolition of slavery,” shrugged Fisher, “but I feel that there is more to it than that. I think some important people have taken notice of you, and that is not healthy in Khadora. Power has always resided in Khadoratung. The Emperor and the Lords’ Council rule this country. The Assembly of Lords really has no power at all. I would advise you to avoid the assembly meeting later this month.”
    “You think there is a risk to me by going to Khadoratung?” questioned Lord Marak.
    “Absolutely,” affirmed Fisher. “Most people in Khadora would not have known Lord Ridak’s name if they heard it. Merchants and lower officials mention your name on the streets of the capital. Someone powerful is out to get you. Stay away until something else grabs their attention.”
    “I will consider your warning, Fisher,” sighed Lord Marak, “but you know that I do not easily shy away from confrontations. Get into your uniform, and hear what you can in the meeting room.”
    Fisher nodded as he left the office. Lord Marak left shortly after Fisher and met Kasa in the hallway outside the lord marshal’s office.
    “Master Malafar’s idea sounds quite promising,” the bursar said. “I think I might even know