“Possibly,” she said. “Though I suspect one end of the unknown will be enough for me—there’s so much to learn. Your people, the land, how best I can help you … that will keep me busy a good while. And Jamis, of course.” She glanced at the boy, who rode perched on a sheepskin on a steady pony led by one of Arcolin’s troops. “He has asked for a pony many a time, but we had no place for him to ride in the city, and no one free to lead him about. Look how happy he is.”

Just then the boy turned to wave at her and call out, “Mama—I’m not holding on!”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

They arrived in Duke’s East by noon on the last day of their journey, the weather having cooperated. Everything looked as it should. Arcolin stopped and introduced Calla to Kolya and the mayor in Duke’s East. Calla admired everything, and he could tell that Kolya, often so reserved, was delighted with her. Arcolin arranged to hold Duke’s Court in two days’ time and sent a messenger to Duke’s West to let them know. From the town to the stronghold, the road had been tended—the crown smoothed, the ditches cleaned out. He could see recruits drilling off to the east.

“Dattur, do you want to go directly to the new gnome hills?”

“No, my prince. I would not delay your return to your home, and I think they will come to greet you here anyway. They have not seen me for three years. More.”

“Very well.” Arcolin had not imagined the gnomes would come to the stronghold unless they needed something. He could, however, understand how a kteknik gnome might prefer to return to the group in the company of their prince, proof he was no longer kteknik.

Everything was in perfect order in the stronghold itself. Young Jamis stared as the gates opened, soldiers saluted, and trumpets blew. Calla, now riding beside him, smiled, apparently delighted with the ceremony. Grooms were ready to hold their horses as they dismounted.

“Is the captain here?” he asked the guard corporal.

“No, my lord. He’s with the recruit cohort. They made a day-march today. I’ll send a messenger—”

“Yes, do that. You may tell him I’m married now, and I will introduce my lady to him and the Company this evening.”

He led Calla and Jamis through the entrance to the inner courtyard. “Our quarters are here,” he said. “Officers in residence also have quarters in this court and usually eat together.”

“It’s huge,” Calla said. She looked around. “And our own well?”