"Very well, Your Majesty," Verdant said, dipping his head. "It was I that brought these traitors into your walls. Forgive me. I will see them properly dealt with, then I shall return, and wait for your punishment."
"Captain Blackthorn," Oliver said, turning to the woman at his side. "Do you wish to join them?"
The Lady paused a second to contemplate it, before shaking her head. "Someone ought to guard you. I will allow Verdant his want, and stay by your side in his place."
"Very well," Oliver said. "Good luck to you, General!"
Blackthorn shot him a toothy grin. "Luck?" He snorted, before going back to organizing his men for their departure through the gates. The Emerson soldiers were already set to retreating at a handsome speed. The cavalry at a trot, and the infantry at a jog. There wasn't an awful lot of time to waste – or at least, there shouldn't have been, if not for the confidence that Oliver had forced of them.
