The next morning, a patrol appeared on the ridge above the coalition camp. It followed the supply carts for nearly an hour, never coming close enough for a conversation. Wei walked out from the camp alone, carrying the signed boundary agreement.
The patrol officer met him at the road marker. “I’m Mara. The city sent me to report any sign you intend to besiege the gate.”
“You can take this back to the council.” Wei held out the paper. “Deliver it as written.”
Mara studied him before accepting the agreement. “You’re not asking me to tell Iven that your army is harmless?”
“No. I’m asking you to tell him what we agreed to do.”
She read the terms twice. Yan stood several paces behind Wei, hands resting at his sides. He could tell Mara expected a bribe or a threat. Her eyes kept moving between Wei’s face and the camp behind him.
“What happens if a villager crosses the city line during a fight?” she asked. “If they run toward you, do you send them back?”
“We help the civilian,” Yan said. “If the city complains, we answer for it afterward.”
