The attack came on the fourth day of Kael's journey north, precisely at the narrow forest crossing where Rhosnyn's careful review of the route had identified the most likely point of vulnerability, and it was only that same careful preparation, guards positioned quietly among the trees on both sides of the road, that prevented the ambush from achieving whatever its architects had originally intended.
Kael's own account, delivered in person once he finally reached Veskara Keep three days later than planned, carried the controlled steadiness of a man describing danger already survived, though Elira could hear, beneath the composure, the genuine fear it had cost him.
"Six men, mounted, positioned exactly where the road narrows enough to make a coordinated defense difficult," he said, seated
