Men paused when they saw Raeth, their eyes opening wide before they remembered to salute.  He ignored them, hoping that none would see through his ruse.  This was the ultimate test of his ability to impersonate Hern.  The capitol had seen little of Raeth’s brother over the last four years; those who knew him best lived on the northern border.  Raeth had made certain to cut his hair precisely like Hern’s, and had practiced walking as a soldier according to Darro’s instructions.  Hopefully, his subterfuge would hold.

As soon as he passed them, he heard soldiers dashing off in various directions.  His arrival was unannounced--he had expected it would create quite a stir.  Better that, however, than have the troops spend hours preparing formations for his arrival when they should be worrying about the enemy.

Eventually, an Aedin man whose cloak-clasp proclaimed him to be a captain, rushed up and saluted.  "My Lord!" he said breathlessly.  "We weren’t informed you intended to visit."