The sun had only just begun to rise again when the rebel party returned to the stronghold several miles east. Dustin certainly anticipated a bit of rest and relaxation after that ordeal. After all, several hours of hiking in cold, wet trousers, combined with much time spent in uncomfortable crouching positions to avoid enemy detection wore on the body after a while. All the same, it had been an enlightening experience, and the young prince now carried a greater appreciation for fighters of all sorts—knights, soldiers, and insurgents alike.

So the rebel commander led his group to Ken-Malé's headquarters to report their findings, and as it turned out, a pair of the rebels had snuck fairly far into the camp itself and eavesdropped on the command tent. Another detachment of troops was supposed to reach the Innutukian camp by noon, and then they would set out to attack the stronghold as Michelle had suspected.

Another rebel had counted all the horses present in the camp, an action so obvious Dustin could only berate himself for not thinking to do the same. Nonetheless, the Forbachean man had counted 35 equines. Not that a traditional Innutukian cavalry charge would have any effect on the sturdy stone walls of the rebels' stronghold, of course. In fact, the imperial forces had hardly a chance of breaking through either, considering Dustin had spotted neither catapults nor battering rams in the camp. By all likelihood, any efforts on Innutuk's part would prove fruitless and costly.

"We have the morning ahead of us." Ken-Malé stated at the end of the rebels' impromptu meeting, "We'll spend the time preparing our defenses. This meeting is adjou—"

A loud creak drew everyone's attention to the meeting room's door, where two Forbachean men escorted none other than Nathan Korynn inside. Nathan's eyes immediately locked with Dustin's, and the mingled disappointment and frustration in his gaze caused the prince to hang his head and sigh. His chest tightened in anticipation of whatever harsh words he would hear in the near future.

"I hate to interrupt," one of the soldiers addressed Ken-Malé, "but this man just wandered up to our gates and requested entry. He's looking for—"

"I've found the ones I'm looking for." Nathan interjected, pointing at Dustin and his comrades, "They're not supposed to be here, and I apologize for any damage they might have done in their time here."

Ken-Malé frowned. "They've caused no trouble. On the contrary, they've made themselves useful. Who are you?"

"Nathan Korynn. Retired Monteraynian knight."

"I see. Were you tasked with watching over Prince Dustin here?"

Nathan nodded. "I was. The Monteraynian heir is bullish and impulsive, though."

Dustin glared. "I am not! I simply refuse to stand by and allow oppression and mistreatment to stand! You once fought against Innutuk with passion and valor, yet now you stand in my way when I strive to do the same."

"You're not ready! But we should continue this elsewhere." Nathan turned to Ken-Malé again. "Are you the leader here?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well, I would have you know an Innutukian force is amassing in a town several miles north. They're putting armor on their horses, filling their quivers, all that. I heard talk in the inn last night of 'heading south', so there's a chance they're coming here."

"Almost certainly." Ken-Malé said, thoughtfully smoothing his beard, "How many?"

"I didn't stop and count; once I saw that happenin', I got out of there."

"I see. Well, we're grateful for the information."

Nathan nodded and stepped toward Dustin and his companions. "No need to thank me. I'll just take my people and go."

"I'm afraid I can't allow that." Ken-Malé contradicted, "The Innutukian battalion you witnessed is just one of many incoming onslaughts we're expecting. Until further notice, nobody and nothing comes in or out of these walls. You're welcome not to participate in our efforts to defend this town, Sir Korynn, but I can't allow you to leave now."

Nathan narrowed his eyes. "So be it. Even so, come with me." He beckoned to Dustin, but the others followed him out the door as well.

After Dustin had followed Nathan out of the rebel headquarters and into the open air, he sucked in a deep breath. "You must hear me out—"

"What were you thinking?" Nathan barked, whirling about to face the four, "You're the heir to the throne of Monterayne, Dustin! You're destined to govern a nation of people, yet you can't even govern yourself!"

"I already said—"

"And I already said you're not equipped to participate in this fight. Being a warrior isn't only about fighting well and coming out on top; it's also about knowing what fights you're better off not starting."

Dustin crossed his arms. "I know my limitations very well, Sir Korynn. With all these fine fighters on my side, I fear no harm."

"You aren't ready, Dustin! Your father was my greatest friend; I'm not foolish or cruel enough to stand by and let his son destroy himself over a bit of outrage." Nathan sighed and glanced over Dustin's shoulder. "And you, Kyle...the fact you're here too is a shame to your name."

Kyle cleared his throat. "I really just wanted to lend Dustin a hand. If he'd gone without me, I don't think he would have made it out of the wildlands."

Nathan narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. His gaze next alit on Michelle, and a moment of silence lingered between them before he finally spoke. "I expected you to be more sensible as well."

"Your concerns for them are valid, Sir Korynn." Michelle retorted, "But I am a fighter in this rebellion for over a year before I come to the wildlands. I am neither inexperienced nor fanatical in my efforts."

"True. Even so, you guided the others here, no doubt, therefore enabling their folly."

"You fail to convince the prince to stay his hand yourself. How do you hold me in derision for the same?"

Nathan sighed, eyes darting between Dustin and Kyle. "In that case, my disappointment lies with only you two."

Kyle frowned. "What about Jude? He must have a good deal of influence—"

"I had said from the start that I followed along to keep an eye on Dustin." Jude countered, "That was the same reason I left Monterayne in the first place. If you truly were under the impression I came to see the sights of the wildlands and beyond, then you are mistaken."

All this, Nathan acknowledged with a silent nod.

Dustin clenched his eyes shut and took a deep breath before leveling his gaze on Nathan again. "I apologize for sneaking away and fleeing your presence, Sir Korynn. I am in error for coming here, but only on account of disrespecting your counsel. However, my intentions to liberate a land from tyranny and bring retribution to murderers...for that, I cannot apologize."

"Of course not. Nobody in their right mind would disagree with you on that. But you should have pursued this through other means. Sent word to your father, perhaps. I knew your father many years ago. The Manfred Rickland I knew would definitely unsheathe his sword over an atrocity like what Innutuk has done in this land."

"My father's pacifism has grown since you parted ways." Dustin said coldly, turning his back on Nathan, "My belief is that you helped him maintain his actionable edge. Without you, my father's peaceful nature reigns supreme."

"Well...in that case, maybe when this is all over, we'll all head east and pay him a visit."

Dustin glanced back with a smirk. "I think my father would much appreciate that."

"All the same, now you've trapped us in a city that will soon be forced to endure an Innutukian onslaught." Nathan said in a percussive tone, "If—heaven forbid—they break through, we'll be forced to fight for our lives, and all because you couldn't heed my counsel and restrain yourself."

"In that case, it would be in our best interest to make the best of the situation we are in. We should lend our services to the rebels and assist them in putting up a strong defense. Then the dire scenario you imagine will never come to be."

"I was thinking the same. We defend the walls so the walls will shield us."

Dustin turned back around and shook Nathan's hand. "I'm pleased we agree on something, Sir Korynn. I apologize once more for disregarding your counsel, and I assure you I shall do better in the future. In the meantime, I will relish in the opportunity to fight at your side as my father did before me."

Nathan smirked and rolled his eyes. "You Ricklands each manage in your own way to be an excruciating pain."

"And you Korynns prove yourselves faithful allies through all." Dustin remarked with a glance back at Kyle. Then he patted Jude's shoulder. "And Holts have their uses as well."

"I appreciate your kind consideration." Jude muttered sarcastically.

Lastly, Dustin locked eyes with Michelle and grinned. "What say you we bring the house of Yorran into our fellowship as well?"

Michelle dipped her head with the subtlest of smiles. "I give no objection, your highness."

**** 

A/N: Just sneaking this update in here really quick in the midst of my busy evening; hope you enjoy, and I'll see you in next week's update! Sorry for the short author's note, but I figure minimalism is less than negligence, so yee. God bless! ❤️