For the first time, the guards meticulously examined Ean's credentials before granting him access to the military outpost. The base hummed with a frantic energy as soldiers rushed about, preparing to man outposts along the borders. The familiar base felt hostile as he sought out Sergeant Wulfstan to pitch his proposal.

"Brynn, I am the Spymaster of Argonia, not a game warden as you suspected. When I crossed the river, it was to gather intelligence on the Brindle army. The military incursion into Riverside, the cause of all the activity in the camp, is the consequence of me rescuing one of my spies."

Sergeant Wulfstan's face, which had been a mask of military discipline, turned into a scowl. "I figured you'd done something worse than disagree about fish population tallies."

"I have a plan to fix the mess I made. The Brindle soldiers occupying Riverside are reservists from across the river, men you likely know." Ean looked Brynn in the eyes. "Come to Riverside and talk to them, soldier-to-soldier. Get them to withdraw peacefully."

Brynn stared back. "I wish I could, but my duties are here helping my men prepare for deployment."

"I understand that, but if we can defuse the situation there, you and your men may not need to deploy."

"That's a big if. The military always expects the worst and plans accordingly. I can't afford to be gone at a time like this." Brynn turned to go.

"I wouldn't have come all this way if it wasn't important." Ean grabbed the soldier's arm, his eyes pleading. "A few hours, that's all I ask. A chance to prevent a war before it begins."

The sergeant mulled over his request. "I'd hate myself if I didn't try. I'm not a diplomat so make no promises we won't permanently be assigned to fish counting duty." He straightened his uniform. "Let me clear it with my commanding officer and I'll meet you at the front gate."

Ean retrieved his horse and waited outside the gate. The minutes ticked by. Sergeant Wulfstan was nowhere in sight, and he considered returning to Argonia Central. He was about to leave when the gate opened and out rode his buddy in his parade armor looking like the hero of a fantasy story.

They rode together to the boundary checkpoint of Argonia North. The guards had locked down the checkpoints, allowing only foot traffic out of Riverside. They left their horses in the care of the guards. Before proceeding on foot, Ean pulled Royal Guard Aaron Blackwood aside and handed him a list of names and addresses to investigate.

Aaron gave the order to allow Ean and Sergeant Wulfstan through. "Stay safe. Most of all, don't do anything that will require me to save you again."

* * *

As they approached Riverside, they heard singing. The once-bustling market square now served as a makeshift camp, crowded with Brindle soldiers, guards, and civilians of both nationalities. The air reeked of alcohol, vomit, and body odor. The group fell silent, hands gripping the hilts of swords and pikes, as Ean and Wulfstan approached.

Sergeant Wulfstan marched forward, his gleaming armor commanding everyone's attention, and spoke in his most authoritative voice. "Brothers-in-arms, many of you know me from our off-base liaisons. I respect you and count many of you my friends…" he cracked a smile. "At least the ones I don't owe money to."

This elicited a few chuckles among the soldiers and a relaxing of their aggressive stances.

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"We both know our friendship will mean nothing when our commanders decide the 'misunderstandings' on both sides requires a military solution." He made eye contact with each soldier. "I know you. You're farmers, hunters, fishermen with families to go home to. Please, return to Bridgewater in peace."

From the heart of the assembled soldiers, a gruff voice called out. "Wulfie," the senior reservist said, his tone equal parts relief and wariness. "I am glad it's you and not some hard-nosed officer. We never intended to harm anyone." The other soldiers murmured assent. "Out of mutual respect and friendship, we will withdraw."

The tension dissipated as the soldiers gathered their belongings. A familiar voice cut through the relative calm like a blade, rage and venom dripping from every syllable. Ean's gaze snapped to the group of civilians flanked by Brindle guards. Like a persistent itchy rash, Ean was not surprised when the militia leader stepped forward, fists clenched.

"You spineless cowards!" the leader spat, the words landing like a slap across the face. "The man next to your soldier 'friend' sneaked into Brindle and killed a guard while fleeing with a traitorous spy. Then they ran away like frightened rabbits. For weeks, honest Brindlers have been mistreated by Argonians. You finally have a chance to get revenge and you want to go home? The emperor gave you new weapons to take Argonian blood, not play cards together."

Some of the soldiers stopped packing and took up their swords again.

Ean stepped forward, declaring, "I am the Spymaster of Argonia, and I speak the truth," as he pointed at the militia leader. "That man is a liar and a cold-blooded murderer. He and his men are responsible for the murder of Brindle's spymaster - and possibly Argonia's too."

He softened his tone and hung his head. "I was unaware a guard died during my escape from him and his murderous militia. For that, I am deeply sorry. Like you, I never intended to harm anyone." He lifted his head and caught the eye of each soldier. "The man I rescued from him is Ingar, the tavern owner in Fortside." He pointed at the militia leader. "That criminal and his men attacked Ingar, made up the story of him being a spy, and stole the cart of ale and food he was bringing back from Northold to serve to you."

The militia leader glowered at Ean. "He's lying. Trying to confuse you. He's a spymaster, a master of deceit after all."

Ean addressed the soldier leader. "When you crossed the river, it was evening. The Riverside market stalls were empty, were they not? So ask yourselves, where did he find the food and drink you've been enjoying?"

"Don't listen to him. He's a lying Argonian," shouted the militia leader.

The reservist leader asked, "You raise valid questions, but what proof do you have?"

"He works for a foreign criminal organization that has been goading us into a war neither side wants. The chaos made it easier for them to move about freely and profit from mandatory protection and road 'taxes'. I've paid him my share more than once. He and his militia group are nothing more than criminals loyal only to themselves."

Ean held up the two-headed medallion. "This was recovered from an assassin in the same organization. It's how they recognize each other. Search him and you'll find one just like it. If I'm lying, you can take me straight to the emperor." Why did I say that? If this doesn't work, I'll be dragged to Northold and executed.

The soldiers turned to the militia leader. "Did you really steal all this from Ingar?"

One of the Brindle guards chimed in. "I did see him and his men on the afternoon of the attack struggling with a loaded horse cart."

The militia leader extended his hands, pleading, "Friends, I didn't know who he was when we borrowed his cart."

Two soldiers grabbed the man. "Everyone in South Brindle knows Ingar. Maybe you are the foreign criminal he says." They searched him until they found his coin purse and dumped it out.

A pile of coins grew as they continued to tumble onto the ground. With a loud metallic clank, a two-headed medallion landed on the pile.

The militia leader thrashed and struggled, hurling insults at Ean in a desperate attempt to break free. His face flushed with rage, spittle flying from his lips as he strained against the guards' grip. "The Man in The Purple Hat will free me after he takes care of the traitorous spymaster hiding in Argonia. Then I'm going to kill you and everyone you care about."

The guards cuffed him on the head and dragged him across the bridge.

Ean's blood ran cold and he felt paralyzed. "Sergeant, can you coordinate with Royal Guard Blackwood to restore Riverside to normal? I believe another friend of mine is in mortal danger."