Titus's Arc

Chapter 2 of 2

The wolf was dead, but the town was still afraid. Titus called a meeting at first light and gathered them inside the stone barracks he had claimed for command. Lothar limped in, bruised from the night before, and took a seat. Horus followed, quiet as ever. The round table was built for ten. Three chairs filled. Titus rested his hammer against the wood and looked around. "This table is too empty," he said. Horus leaned forward. "Send me back to our home in the wood. I can bring my younger brothers. They'll come if I ask." Titus nodded once. "Take a couple of men. I'll ride out too — I have a friend a day and a half from here. Five with me." He turned to Lothar. "You hold this place while we're gone." Lothar met his eyes. "I'll keep the door shut. That's about all I can promise today." By noon the barracks emptied. Titus tightened his straps, mounted, and rode out with five at his back. The table was still too empty — but for the first time, chairs were being sought, not just counted.