Lyra said. “There is worry in your eyes, StarWind. Sit and tell me what is wrong this morning.” “It is what I was expecting,” sighed StarWind. “I just did not expect it so soon.” “A message from SunChaser?” Lyra asked. “Yes,” nodded StarWind. “Imperial Guards have been leaving Okata all week. They have not been marching out of the city in large armies, which is why SunChaser did not pick up on it sooner, but the effect is the same. She invited General Kapla for dinner last night. He confirmed that the troops are filtering out of the city and regrouping.” “Was she able to discover the destination of these armies?” inquired the Star of Sakova. “We are the destination,” reported StarWind. “The Katana has instructed the army to find StarCity and destroy it. They plan on entering the Sakova over a broad front in great numbers.” “So it begins,”
