Chapter 173: Bait and Switch
Dominic and Alexis moved on foot so that they weren’t risking one of the Regiment’s mechanical horses if they should get caught while travelling.
They shouldn’t be at too much risk, they both appeared to be Nobles, and could act the part, which would make them less likely to be mistaken as deserters. But if that were the case, they were both well armed and armoured.
It wouldn’t be too difficult for either of them to take down a small patrol, if the patrol wasn’t using any magic.
The light was fading, so they would pretend to be setting up camp along the route that the patrol was going to take, not far from where the men were expecting to launch the ambush.
But like all well laid plans, this one did not survive its first encounter with the real world.
"You, setting up the tent. Who are you and what is your business here?" A deep voice demanded.
Dominic put the mallet down and stood to greet the visitor.
"This is the best road, if you can even call it that, from Staptontave to Midgexe. Our convoy was attacked two nights ago, so my wife and I are making our way on foot, of course." Dominic replied.
"And who might you be?" The soldier repeated, as Dominic had skipped that part of the answer.
"Earl Nick of Totbu. Whom might I be addressing?" Dominic asked.