She would have to be, if she wanted to join the Knights of the Spur. Just the name of their order made Erins heart leap. They were the finest warriors of the realm, every name among them a hero. They served her father, but also rode out righting wrongs and fighting foes that no others could. Erin would give anything to join them.

That was why she was riding north, to the Spur. That was also why she was taking this route, through parts of the forest long thought dangerous.

She rode on, taking in the place. Any other time, it would have been beautiful, but then, any other time, she wouldnt have been here. Instead, she looked around, eyes darting, all too aware of the shadows on each side of the path, the way the branches brushed at her as she rode. It was a place where she could imagine someone disappearing, never to return.

Even so, it was the route she had to take if she was going to reach the Knights of the Spur. Especially if she wanted to be able to impress them when she got there. Set beside that, her fear didnt matter.

Why dont you stop there? a voice from further along the forest path called.

There. Erin felt a brief thrill of fear at the words, the flutter running up through her belly. She drew her horse to a halt, then swung down from the saddle smoothly. Almost as an afterthought, she took down her short staff, gloved hands carrying it lightly.

Now, what do you think youre going to do with that stick? the man from further down the forest path said. He stepped out, dressed in rough-spun clothes and holding a hatchet. Two more men stepped out from the trees behind Erin, one holding a long knife, the other an arming sword that suggested he might once have fought on behalf of a nobleman.

Back in a village I passed through, Erin said, they told me about bandits in the forest.

They didnt seem to think it was odd that shed come here anyway. Erin could feel the fear inside her. Should she have come here? Shed had plenty of training bouts, but this… this was different.

Looks as though were famous, boys, the leader called out with a laugh.

Famous was one word for it. In the village, shed spoken to a young woman who was traveling with her husband. She had said that even when they gave these men everything they had, they still wanted more, and they took it. She had detailed all of it to Erin, and Erin had wished shed had Lenores way with people, or Nerras compassion. Erin didnt have either; all she had was this.

They say you kill those who fight, Erin said.

Well then, the leader said. Youll know not to fight.

Barely worth it, one of the others said. Hardly a girl at all.