The mist curling off the churchyard wall carried the scent of wet wool, oiled leather, and polished steel.
Cael stood in the center of the muddy gravel lot, his chainmail rattling as he pulled his shoulders straight, wiping the river slime from his chin with the back of his steel gauntlet. He was breathing heavily, his bloodshot eyes darting toward the street corner as heavy, disciplined footsteps approached through the fog.
From the shadow of Fish Street, six figures emerged in locked formation.
Leading them was Lady Signe Lorr, Imperial Magistrate and high observer of the Crown Assize. Her dark grey riding cloak was thrown back over her shoulders, revealing her high-collared velvet tunic. The golden imperial seal that usually pinned her mantle was gone; in its place, pinned firmly over her breastbone, was a rough oval brooch carved from river-driftwood and bone—the municipal emblem of the Harth Town Council. In her gloved hands she carried a thick roll of ribboned vellum bound with forty-eight braided hemp cords.
Flanking her was Captain Dain, the commander of the Harth Gate Watch. His iron breastplate was unpolished, scored with old sword-notches from the border campaigns, and his hand rested heavy and relaxed upon the pommel of his broadsword. Behind him marched four veteran charter watchmen carrying seven-foot ash billhooks, their faces grim and set.
