Arrival

[Anthony]

The D'Haran force approached the pass, where reports that the old world army was. Scouts had returned with news of a army of around 22,000 from the old world. They also encountered the small ban of 5,000 specials from D'Hara. Oddly out in the open where they were easily found. General Torak had sent a message to their commander. Ordering him to report to him at once.

[unpopularprophet]

"It happened like you said it would. Torak just sent me a message to report to him, on top of Knoxx's message telling us to join HIM. Knoxx has the larger force, but Torak has the better troops. Joining Torak for Trabane would be an egregious betrayal of Lord Rahl... and joining Collin is out of the question in any shape or fashion. You've got us this far Seeker. I trust you, and I think you mean well."
"Everyone MEANS well, Commander."
Behr grunted at the truth of that. The situation was very dangerous: they were caught between a shield and a spear. any wrong move- which could be either obvious choice- was unacceptable.
All the men were loyal to and trusted Behr... but it was Alice who had become the real leader. I had been her ploy to ignore the vastly superior force to the north... so they could warn Trabane's force about them.
"So we send the message?"
"Yes. Our force is a potentially serious threat... but only a fool would waste time with us while of force of that magnitude is about to pounce. Torak may be misguided in serving Trabane, but he is not the fool Alaric is at heart."
"And we clean up after they shred each other to pieces?"
"That depends on how much is left of either."
"All right then. Meiffert!"
The still blood spattered soldier-none of it his- entered the tent.
"Is it time, Commander?"
"Yes. Take a squad of five and-"
"Six. I shall accompany the Lieutenant."
Meiffert looked wary of that.
"I am unsure that letting our greatest asset walk straight into a traitor's camp is a good idea."
"You're your own assets, gentlemen. I have my own reasons for being in the Old World. I have spent more time with you than I had meant to. I need to leave soon, anyway."
Meiffert was distressed by this development, but Behr laughed.
"I've been waiting for you to say that for some time. You're no coward, we all know that, but a Seeker is more than a warrior. I heard more of the old history than most when I was one of Rahl's personal guards." The Commander indicated the bronze razor bands that he bore from the time. "Seekers go and do as they will, and their only responsibility is to Truth. When do you intend to leave?"
"Soon. I don't want to abandon you, but more is at stake that friendship. I do want to accompany Meiffert, though... they have no way of knowing I've been here at all. My presence alone will rattle them if they have even a whit of self-preservation instinct. An enemy on edge is an enemy you can manipulate."
Meiffert sighed. "We have long since learned the impossibility of telling you NO."
"Then we shall be off. Whatever happens, gentlemen, it has been a pleasure and an honor. And Commander?"
"Yes?"
"Send Knoxx his messengers back... without their big toes."
"Why the big toes?'
"So they can't run."