Finally, he stepped back, saluting the post as he had seen swordsmen salute an opponent, before checking the blade he held for damage. There were no nicks on it or cracks. That was good.

Your technique is good, a voice said, and Devin spun, finding himself facing a man of perhaps thirty, dressed in breeches and a shirt that had been tied tighter to his body to avoid cloth tangling with a passing blade. He had long dark hair, tied back in braids that would not come undone in a fight, and aquiline features leading up to eyes of piecing gray. He walked with a slight limp, as if from an old injury. But you should keep your weight off your heels as you turn; it makes it hard for you to adjust until you complete the movement.

You… youre Swordmaster Wendros, Devin said. The House had many sword masters, but Wendros was the one nobles paid most to learn from, some waiting years to do it.

Am I? He took a moment to stare at his reflection in a suit of plate armor. Why, so I am. Hmm, Id listen to what I said then, if I were you. They tell me I know all there is to know about a sword, as if thats much.

Now listen to another piece of advice, Swordmaster Wendros added. Give it up.

What? Devin said, shocked.

Give up your attempt to become a swordsman, he said. Soldiers just need to know how to stand in a line. There is more to being a warrior. He leaned in close. Much more.

Devin didnt know what to say. He knew he was alluding to something greater, something beyond his wisdom; yet he had no idea what it could be.

Devin wanted to say something, but he couldnt think of the words.

And just like that, Wendros turned and marched off into the sunrise.

Devin found himself thinking about the dream hed had. He couldnt help feeling as if they were connected.

He couldnt help feeling as if today was the day that would change everything.

CHAPTER THREE

Princess Lenore could barely believe the beauty of the castle as servants transformed it in preparation for her wedding. It went from a thing of gray stone to something sheathed in blue silk and elegant tapestries, chains of woven promises and dangling trinkets. Around her, a dozen maidservants busied themselves with elements of dresses and decorations, buzzing around her like a swarm of worker bees.

They did it for her, and Lenore was truly grateful for that, even if she knew that as a princess she should expect it. Lenore had always found it amazing that others were prepared to do so much for her, simply because of who she was. She appreciated beauty almost more than anything else, and here they were, doing so much with silk and lace to make the castle wondrous…