Soldiers came to the farm last night. They were in the Duke's livery. My heart pounded as I tried to remember whether I'd paid the proper tax this season, but that wasn't why they were here. They asked us to tear down our fence. I asked if they were redrawing the boundaries of my land, but they said they needed the stone. All we could gather, for the army. We're going to war with the heathen Longhouse Emperor! * * * Took my family the better part of the day to stack our cart as high as we dared. I should be able to reach Duke Varen's encampment before dusk, I think. * * * * * * * * *