"Messenger." Karl summoned a guard. "Immediately report our position and the rebels' movements to the Duke. Luo Yao's rebel force has abandoned most of its baggage, swept civilians along with them, and is advancing at speed with light gear. They appear to intend to cross Stardust Ridge and slip into the peninsula plains of Field Territory."
"Our army fears an ambush, and both men and horses are exhausted after days of forced marching, so we have temporarily halted the pursuit. We are resting at the ridge entrance and have deployed scouts widely. Please await the Duke's instructions. Also, urge His Grace to take note: the rebels' target may not be the Royal Capital, but a return to their old lair, Pearl Bay. Should they succeed in reaching it, holding a fortified city and possessing provisions, they may become a grave threat and be far harder to eradicate."
"Understood!" The messenger swung onto his horse and sped away in a cloud of dust.
Karl immediately summoned one of his personal guards and ordered in a grave voice, "Select ten messengers at once. Give each of them three fast horses, and have them ride at full speed back to Carnford! They must inform Werner and Klein that rebellion has broken out in Field Territory, and that the rebels may attempt to escape by sea."
"Order the navy to make immediate preparations. The moment rebel ships are spotted putting to sea, the entire fleet is to sortie and intercept them. There must be no mistake!"
The personal guard accepted the order and immediately turned to arrange the horses and manpower, not daring to delay even a moment.
Karl's judgment was correct. Luo Yao neither intended nor possessed the ability to set up any worthwhile ambush behind him.
He understood his own situation even