Dax left after his fourth ale, and watched as the innkeeper went door to door, handing out chunks of ham to the villagers.
This was a good village if you were a bandit.
They knew how to keep their mouths shut and their heads down, so they didn't draw the attention of the authorities. Plus, they were willing to make a trade to get what they needed. Some had too much pride for that, and you couldn't trust a prideful man not to do something dumb.
"Did you get the news you needed?" Princess Alexis asked as the Commander returned to the camp, smelling vaguely of cheap ale.
"I did. The village is starving, there are no boys or young men left, and the Nobles have claimed most of their girls as well. They have no love for King or Country. But most importantly, there is a major military training facility northwest of the village, across the river.
