Two lines of Soldiers slunk back with a mostly empty caravan. The call of the horn, a single long tone, announced their return. Arrows were lodged into nearly all of the carts, and there were noticeably missing roaches, in places where a harness sat unused. Several of the rope harnesses were shredded in parts. It was clear that only some of the rope had been removed cleanly.

Crenshaw watched as first an otter with a large yoke carrying two large apples, then the caravan came into the supply base. The otter looked familiar in a way that he couldn’t put his finger on. He was young and looked strong, but it didn't seem like he was a part of the returning supply train.

A blue jay fluttered over to him, and the retired mouse put two and two together.

He looked back.

"The ranger? He is here with some food. I hope you're not a big fan of variety."

"My son?" Stone asked, getting up.

"Unfortunately no, but it looks like his husband."

The brief gleam of dissatisfaction flashed and then disappeared from the otters face. Stone smiled again.

"Well either way it's going to be a good reunion."

Minutes later, River brought the ranger back, and so as to not draw suspicious glances, made to introduce the otter to his father in law.

"Mr. Stone, this is Sela," River said.

"A pleasure. Always good to talk to another Riverfolk," Sela said.

The knowing glances between the three almost gave them away.

"Care for some tea while you're here? Or perhaps a game of creatures and catacombs?" Stone said.

"Perhaps once our business has been concluded. As you're aware, I am not here on business for the company. The ones behind me," he said turning a shoulder,"just happened to be arriving behind me. I grabbed the apples because it would make a good gift. There are more a short walk away, but no one here has eaten much of it."

The knife cuttings from the apple left Sela with little after he had given out much of his load. The camp would eat well tonight, even if they were thirsty.

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"Ms. Kayli, please feed yourself," River said.

"Yes, Ms. Beatrice."

Freya recalled the brief training about holding a secret identity. Keeping her name and the name of her co-conspirator straight was a bit of work. The fact that they were keeping it a secret from the coalition, and had been for such a long time would raise a lot of questions when the two reverted eventually.

So long as they were fed, Freya felt that she could keep it up indefinitely.

She used her knife to cut a generous portion.

It was about then that she heard the sounds of supplies being bodily carried and slammed down. In the mess of it all, one mouse appeared next to the circle of chickens. He wore no rank but carried an air of command.

Around the ashes of the fire, two otters, two bluejays and two mice sat.

Half of them munched apples carefully as the newcomer recognized one of them and sat down.

The weary faced mouse nodded.

"Cousin."

Crenshaw smiled.

"Cousin."

"Might I ask what in Nithes breath do you think you're doing out here?"

"Retirement didn't suit me too well."

Muk looked to his companions.

"Sir, I hope your family is well, especially your granddaughter."

Woda grunted a reply.

"Mr. Stone, it's so good to see you again as well. Is this…?"

Stone slapped Sela on the back.

"Sir, this is my son in law. He's part of my son's raft."

"No need to be so formal with me," Muk said.

"As you wish, Sir."

Muks whiskers twitched.

"I don't know who either of your bluejay friends are but we're happy to have them. I suppose they'll be headed to the front lines though. There's some bridges to be burned."

At that moment Freya realized that she’d trapped herself into a problem of her own making. She could have picked any other bird in the aviary, even a raven.

Instead she stuck out like a sore thumb. Blue jays did two things for the coalition: they built things up, and they blew things up.

Freya began to sweat.

"Private Bea, and Private Kay, Lieutenant. We thank you for your hospitality," River said, matter of factly.

"Specialists then. Well either way you're all welcome. I spoke to my convoy commander and let's just say that once this is over I'll be inviting my Soldiers to a special mess presentation. All of you are welcome."

Freya seemed to be the only one confused by the mess declaration, but she took it in stride. What could she say in this form? She was at a loss and once again, let River take the lead.

"Cousin, I'm happy to have you here," Muk said,"but really this is a bad time. It seems like the cats are about to make a big push."

His voice dropped to a low whisper.

"We might lose. They’re drawing up plans to destroy the bridges across the Denoue river. It would be the crudest way to stop the Marquis, but what other choice do we have? The town of Marwei won't be able to stand against war chief Alexa’s band."

"Are you certain that it's Alexa? She's the face behind this?" Stone said, pausing to bring out stabitha. He began to inspect his weapon,"You're going to be a busy girl."

"Apparently the Marquisate is denying that she speaks for them, while in the same breath condoning her aggression. She's a scourge upon our peoples."

"Who is war chief Alexa?" Freya whispered to River.

"Ah. Well my little knife, that is a story in itself."