‘Aye, a ride through lands that may not welcome Stromgardians like myself, let alone strangers like you and your aunt.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Our neighbours have not been too friendly of late. It would be better for us all if we can cross those lands unnoticed.’

Vorneland

29

Lann, Astrid and Fleya set off early on horseback, Astrid on her beloved chestnut mare, the others on mounts personally chosen by the king from his own stables.

Compared to his hill pony, Lann’s new mount, a grey called Mistglar, seemed huge when he’d first taken to the saddle. However, he quickly got used to the change, and it was not long before both rider and horse formed an easy understanding.

The trio were not alone on the first leg of their journey. Despite their protestations that they would be less noticeable on their own, Erik had insisted a number of his household guard escort them to the border with the neighbouring kingdom, Vorneland. From that point they would be on their own.

‘The Vornelanders are wary of outsiders,’ the king had explained before they’d left. ‘And there have long been concerns about the newly appointed queen.’

‘In what way?’ Fleya had asked.

‘Some say she has slaughtered her way to the throne, killing her husband, his brother and others. All of the children sired by the two men, including her own young son, have disappeared.’

‘Disappeared?’

Erik had nodded his head gravely. ‘Before his death, my father sent trusted emissaries in his service to find out what was happening. Although I do not know all of the details, I do know my father believed the queen to be ruthless and dangerous even before she ascended to the throne. My advice would be to avoid contact if you can.’

Despite everything they’d been through recently, not to mention the enormity of the task that lay ahead of them, the three companions found themselves in high spirits. Their time in Stromgard had been a difficult one, and even Astrid was glad for the opportunity to be away from the place. It was only when she was far from the coastal city’s boundaries that it occurred to her that she might never again see her homeland. She halted her mount. Turning in the saddle, she looked back on the capital and the surrounding landscape, trying to see it as Lann now saw the world – with appreciation and gratitude for its beauty. Strong emotions filled her, and she took a few moments to compose herself again. If the others noticed her farewell to the place of her birth, they were kind enough not to say anything when she spurred her horse forward to rejoin them.