Work Text:
The second blaze does not indicate a pattern, at least not on the ground level. This time, a barn, twenty three miles to the south east, set back in the umber woods and thoroughly charred before anyone raises alarm.
To Boyd and his alliance of two, it’s the second motion in a staccato shaped coup. A well measured step across a line in the ash between happenstance and act of war.
Not unfamiliar with the motion of declaration, Boyd employs his lieutenant to scout which house, hall or holler will play guest to the third strike.
The sparks must hasten.