Quick recap
Horace, known as Arnaut, is at Emperor Shigeru's court in Nihon-Ja when civil war breaks out. The warlord Arisaka rebels against Shigeru, who wants to reform the country's rigid social order. Horace stands by the emperor, and the two flee with a small force to Ran-Koshi, a fortress hidden in a valley. Will, Halt, Selethen, Alyss and Cassandra arrive to look for him and help build the defenses, recruiting the Kikori and the Hasanu. In spring, Arisaka attacks with a far bigger army. Shigeru offers to step down to save lives, and Arisaka's soldiers start deserting. Enraged, Arisaka charges Will, who kills him. Shigeru is restored, and Horace and Cassandra get engaged.
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