The Thorns stood by in respectful silence while Sieghard and Elsa spoke. Some puffed themselves up with pride at the praise that was layered upon them; others seemed too tired to do anything but nod. One or two seemed not to appreciate Elsa’s contribution - Ludo saw Hanna’s face darken and turn away when the wizard spoke.

Hechsler spoke the same rites he had spoken in the hills, and the listeners drew back to where they had made camp. The boulder remained behind, ringed with Ludo’s crossbow bolts - a mute monument beneath the crooked trees.


Angestag, 27th Kaldezeit

Late on Angestag afternoon, Sieghard’s straggling column arrived at Manann’s Keep. The streets of the town were thronged with soldiers and civilians alike, and a festival mood seemed to be in the air, the new-built fortifications all but forgotten. Sforza’s banner flew proudly from the fort, and the sound of music drifted from the Star of Marienburg, a good score of Iron Company men staggering merrily around outside the doors.

Still carrying the bodies of the four Raven Knights, the Thorns and labourers passed into the town square without seeming to draw much attention. There, Armin’s emaciated body still hung in its gibbet, now motionless and silent. A glossy-feathered crow was pecking at his toes where his leg dangled through the bars, to no visible reaction. Some of the labourers turned their eyes away.