Ser Dalimont was bowing to the [Lord] who’d led the rescue. Lord Lantal was a tall man with gray-brown hair. It made him seem older than he was—and he couldn’t have been more than his late thirties. The

[Lord] of Afiele, a small province.

“We were glad to arrive at all. If Calanfer’s [Princess] should have been killed here in an ambush meant for us—I would have never forgiven myself. As it was—we might have well died if those [Necromancers]

had attacked us first, Ser Dalimont.”

“Do you know how an entire cult of [Necromancers] came to Noelictus, Lord Lantal?”

“No. Noelictus would hunt them down if we had known. I can only apologize—this trap was clearly meant for…”

The two men stopped talking as the [Princess] left her two terrified [Handmaidens] and approached.

“Lord Lantal? May I thank you personally for your daring rescue?”

Seraphel had stopped throwing up behind the carriage after her near-death experience. Now, she was the picture of royal gratitude, with a breath-freshening tonic. The [Lord] bowed deeply to her.

“Your Highness. You have my deepest regrets for this incident. The [Necromancer] that escaped will be found and interrogated, you have my word.”

“I should hope so. But I believe Calanfer owes House Afiele of Noelictus a great debt. And your own swordplay as well, Lord Lantal. It was a daring rescue.”

Seraphel smiled deeply at Lord Lantal. The man blushed.

“I’m but a [Lord] who practices the sword, Your Highness. A passionate student, but far from a [Fencer]

or a master.”

“Nevertheless. I was quite taken by your daring. You have my thanks and I am sure my father will convey it as well.”

“It was a trap meant for my family, according to your retainer, Princess Seraphel. I do not know why—

but I will get to the bottom of this.”

Lord Lantal turned, his long-legged stride carrying him over to one of the [Riders], who shook her head and panted that they hadn’t found the [Necromancer]’s tracks. Just as quickly he caught himself and returned.

“My apologies, Princess. I am not used to royalty.”

“Do what you must, Lord Lantal. I—again, I must thank you. I feared it would be my death.”

She felt like she was repeating herself, but she truly had been shaken by the attack. Ser Dalimont came forwards and broke Seraphel’s shocked state. He knelt and offered her a deep bow of his head. To her and Lantal both.

“Your Highness. I am deeply ashamed of our Order’s failure to protect you. In light of this—disaster, I fear we must turn back. Or at least, request reinforcements.”

Dalimont was pale. Lord Lantal nodded.