"Brother, why must you insist on working against me?"

I said nothing.

"Men, burn this convoy. Make sure Ashton Duskborne never trades again."

"Yes, sir!"

"I dare you."

I smiled. "Raise the banner."

A crewman yanked the cover off the standard mounted on the lead wagon.

Four words blazed in the sunlight: ROYAL TRIBUTE GOODS.

I rose to my feet.

Looked straight at Edric's bloodless face.

"What nerve you have, brother. Stealing from the Supreme Alpha himself."