But when we reached the first part of the curving canyon that descended downward between soaring red cliffs, our four scouts rode back to us, eyes wide. “You’re not going to believe this,” said Barrett. “They seem to be welcoming us!” finished his younger, Aravander companion. Keallach and Kapriel shared a long look. “How so?” Kapriel asked. “A Georgii guard met us, waving a white flag,” said Barrett, giving the second a warning look about interrupting him again. “The Pacificans heard we approached, and since they felt their support within the city had slowly been eroding, they elected to vacate the city rather than oppose us. They didn’t want another Zanzibar experience. They decided to cut their losses and retreat to Castle Vega.” “To Castle Vega!” repeated the second gleefully, unabashed by his superior’s sour look. “Do you think it might be a trap?” Ronan asked, lifting a hand. We’d assembled as a circle, we Remnants and Knights, as well as other key leaders, Cyrus and Sesille among them.
