Kasa glanced at the Omungan mage as she nodded. “I also have a stack of contracts that require your signature, and the Lord Marshal needs to see you immediately upon your arrival.”

“Is there trouble?” the Khadoran lord asked.

“Lord Marshal Yenga would not reveal it if there was,” frowned Kasa. “He shares nothing until you have heard it first.”

“As he should,” Lord Marak smiled as he saw the frustration in Kasa’s face. “You worry too much, Kasa. Why don’t you and Master Malafar discuss the mage school now and I will see Lord Marshal Yenga. The meeting can wait a few more minutes. Don’t forget to invite Lyra.”

Kasa nodded, and Lord Marak vaulted up the stairs and into the mansion. He moved swiftly to Yenga’s office before any of the visiting lords had a chance to notice that he had returned to Fardale. He hesitated in the doorway and viewed the Lord Marshal talking to a merchant.

“Come in,” prompted Yenga. “I have been waiting for you to return.”

Lord Marak entered the office and gazed at the merchant. Suddenly he grinned broadly and slapped the merchant on the back.

“I should have realized that no ordinary merchant would be visiting my Lord Marshal,” smiled Lord Marak. “What brings you to Fardale, Fisher?”

“Your service,” answered the spy. “I have been picking up bits of information that I felt must be shared with you.”

“Then let the three us talk,” nodded Lord Marak as he pulled a chair over towards the desk and sat down. “First, what is so important that my Lord Marshal demands my immediate presence?”

“Another caravan has been ambushed,” replied Lord Marshal Yenga as deep lines etched across his forehead.

“How did we find out about it?” asked Lord Marak.