The Vertically and Horizontally Allied States of Hejian

The warhorse pawed the ground uneasily, white steam billowing from its nostrils.

The icy night wind swept up Suleiman's black cloak, making it snap sharply atop the hill.

Below, the camp of two thousand soldiers merged into a dim sea of stars. Their breaths and heartbeats blended into a stifling current.

Soft footsteps sounded behind him, treading over gravel at an unhurried pace.

Suleiman did not turn around.

A guard hurried forward and reported in a low voice, "My lord, an envoy has arrived from the East Riverlands army."

There was a trace of contempt in the guard's voice.

"He says his name is Cole Hewen. A bastard—and a cripple."

Suleiman's gaze remained fixed on the sea of fires below, his voice devoid of warmth.

"Drag him away and behead him."

The guard accepted the order. Two armored soldiers immediately stepped forward and roughly seized the newcomer.

Iron armor scraped against leather, producing a dull rasp.

The man was dragged away, his feet carving two tracks through the gravel, yet he made neither plea nor cry.

He did not even struggle.

A cold blade slid from its sheath, moonlight flowing along its edge.

Just as the sword was about to fall, the cripple called Cole suddenly laughed.

The laugh was faint in the wind, yet exceptionally clear.

At last, Suleiman frowned.

"Wait."

His voice was not loud, but the executioner froze instantly.

"Bring him here."

The armored soldiers released him. The man adjusted the leather armor that had been pulled askew, then limped forward step by measured step.

He stopped a few paces behind Suleiman, as though the killing intent from moments ago had never existed.

His voice was calm in the wind.

"I came to help you see the predicament before you clearly, my lord."

"My lord, you may