"Perrin was leading the transaction. He stayed behind to finish the deal. But Randrick believes… it may have been a setup."
Lysa sighed. "Of course it was. That'll be the Grenthar guard. They've got eyes everywhere."
Emeric nodded to the scout. "Get my horse ready. And send word to the others—discreetly."
He turned to Lysa. "Can I ask for a favor?"
She lifted a brow. "You don't even have to. Go. I'll make sure your goods stay untouched."
Tarnach — Holding Barracks, Eastern Quarter
The barracks were little more than a square stone building pressed into the slope of a hill, flanked by two weather-worn watchtowers. Emeric arrived with two knights at his side, cloak flapping in the wind as he dismounted.
Inside, the warmth was no comfort. The air smelled of sweat, steel, and stale woodsmoke.
Randrick stood just within the entry chamber, face grim. "He's in the back. They're calling for a formal grievance hearing."
"What happened?" Emeric asked, walking beside him.
