Word of the battle spread quickly. The once-mocking soldiers now regarded me with quiet respect, their jests dying on their lips when I passed. Some still whispered behind my back, calling me the King's Shadow—a warrior forged in silence and blood.
Varlen wasted no time. "You're leading the next scouting party," he announced over the morning drills. "Five men, south of the border. We suspect movement near the river crossing."
I nodded. There was no hesitation. This was my next step.