" You must make sure Calsar is not playing his tricks," Brige said, staring down her nose at the man, who was decidedly shorter than her.

" Indeed," Rágn said. " They know my name and face, and that of the other soldiers. Send a man to them that hasn't left the village before, and have him verify the situation."

" That will be dangerous," Yrnhold argued.

" It's better to lose one man than ten or fifteen," Rágn said.

" It's better to lose no man at all," Yrnhold snapped back.

" Shall I go?" Brige asked. " Calsar's people won't expect a woman, if it is indeed a trap."

So Brige went.

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