this is a time of change ;;

[Filter: Ree, Eve and Keller]

Keran has passed through Orach, weeks ahead of where our best estimates put him. My best estimates. It seems impossible that he could traverse the mountain pass that quickly, but word came from Lord Hasten, himself.

At least we know precisely where he is, now.

Now if only I knew precisely where certain others were.

[Filter: Eve, Ree, and Keller]

Are any of you here? I've checked the things front to back and I don't see a word from any of you. Check your journals, damn you.

I've found what appears to be the Einan army, marching north along the Giev, for Dragons only know what reason.

I intend to find out. And I intend to find you, but it would be much easier if any of you were here.

[Filter: Leaders of the Einan Army]

Why the bloody hell are you marching north from the Giev crossing?

[Filter: Ree]

So -- that's it? You've heard all of the same things, I'm sure. They're packing their things and marching home, with Keran laughing at their backs all the while.

I can't believe it.

I thought surely, if nothing else, their damnable pride ...

[Filter: Ree]

We're running out of places to look for all of this supposed proof.

I don't doubt a thing that girl told us, but Lord Hasten certainly will. We need those damned papers, or we may as well have nothing. I can tell that she's near out of ideas, however, and I certainly haven't been hit with any sudden inspiration. Where do you hide documents this damning?

[Filter: Lady Clara]

Lady Clara.

To the point.

I arrived in Lahn yesterday to find that the garrison departed on march two days ago, with the Dentorian forces, and Lord Keran of Sarrca, with the brunt of his armies, as well. From what I have gathered, the Dentorians and Lahnites intend to take Quen, by Keran's suggestion.

Keran, however, intends to take Taerin.

He has the full force of Sarrca behind him, Lady Clara. You don't have time to waste. Were I you, I would organize a full evacuation ... but I am not, and I cannot guarantee that your passage to Rayla would be safe ... or that you would be protected there, even if you could navigate your way through the rebels roving the countryside.

I am making my way to the Dentorian column. I doubt I'll manage to talk sense into them, but that's my aim.

And -- I'm sorry to have to give you this news.

[Filter: Private]

Sarrca ... or Lahn.

It's damn tempting. Reroute to Lahn and turn whatever plan he has there on its head, if I can. He doesn't do anything without reason, he's too smart for that. This plays into a larger plan, and if I can even slow it ...

Hah. Is Rayla beyond saving, yet? Is Taerin, for that matter?

If I found absolutely nothing in Sarrca, and heard only later that something came of what could be happening right now in Lahn -- something I could have prevented. Something that could have been our last chance to salvage this mess.

But it goes both ways, doesn't it?

Choose, damn you. You're a big girl, Dragons know. What's the use in being old if you can't turn all of that experience into something that passes for wisdom.

[pause]

Lahn.

As long as I'm out here, I'll go with my gut.

[Filter: Those in Rayla]

Well.

You saw the writing, didn't you? He's taking his armies and marching south, and here I am with a choice to make. What are your thoughts?

I'm on my way to Taerin, first. No harm in checking in, I imagine.

[Filter: Private]

... I'm too damned old for this.

I'm just too damned old.

Stubborn old hag just doesn't know when to die. And now I get to see all this happen firsthand, and not a damn thing to be done for it, for all these years of experience. What good has it ever done anyone.

Is this where you're supposed to review your life? Catalogue your regrets, your failures, successes.

Always knew I'd go down with this ship, if it went. Stubborn old hag to the end. At least I have that.

I hope they don't burn the books. I hope, at least, I don't live to see that. I've earned that much, damn you.

Wonderful. How I missed all of this.

[Filter: Those in Rayla and Ree]

The letters are trickling in, now, and we'll have reinforcements soon enough. From most of them.

Word from Caepra came in today. Apparently, they won't be sending anyone. It's not a very polite letter, either, contents notwithstanding. You should see this one, Eve.