Outside the gates of Tyrosh.
The gaunt "Earl Paxter Redwyne," with his striking orange hair, stood arrogantly before the Tyroshi soldiers.
Behind him, over a thousand "Seven Kingdoms soldiers" stood in orderly ranks, clad in assorted fine armor and exuding the grim menace of men who had survived bloody battles,
putting intangible pressure on the Tyroshi defenders atop the walls.
An order arrived announcing that the Archon would receive him, and the heavy gates slowly opened to the creaking of the windlass.
"Paxter" swaggered forward, about to enter the city with his orderly "army" behind him.
A Tyroshi officer steeled himself and stepped forward to block his path. "My lord! According to regulations, the army behind you must remain outside the city."
"Paxter" stopped, swept an utterly contemptuous gaze over the officer, and gave a cold laugh. "What did you say?
"Can the gates of Tyrosh not accommodate a mere thousand soldiers? Is this how you treat an allied commander?"
His voice was not loud, but it carried the authority of a superior, leaving the officer sweating and momentarily speechless.
The instant the gates stood wide open, a cold gleam flashed in "Paxter's" eyes. He abruptly drew the Sword at his waist and shouted fiercely, "Charge!"
Before his voice faded, the sharp blade darted out like a venomous snake, instantly piercing the chest of the Tyroshi officer before him,
The officer looked down in disbelief at the blade in his chest. When he raised his head again, he discovered in horror that "Paxter's" arrogant face was twisting and changing like a melting wax figure, finally settling into the young, stern face of an Easterner.
It was Liu Qian!
Mezzo's plan had been executed perfectly.
Liu Qian had used captured Seven Kingdoms equipment to disguise his men as a Seven Kingdoms