Three Knights of the Spur were going with them: Lars of the two swords, Twell the planner, Halfin the swift. Given the stories about them, they were probably worth about fifty normal soldiers.

A couple of Rodrys siblings had come down to see them off, and Devin hung back at the sight of Vars. The prince looked disheveled and hung over. Princess Lenore stood tall and almost impossibly beautiful, coming over and hugging Rodry.

What is so important that you have to leave like this, Rodry? she asked. Youre not going to miss my wedding, are you?

Devin saw Rodry flinch. There shouldnt be a wedding, Lenore. You must have heard what people are saying about Finnal.

Dont, Lenore said, and there was a hardness to her voice as she said it. Her tone softened then, and Devin felt bad for listening. Please dont, Rodry. Ive heard the things that people are saying, but they arent true, they cant be. I love Finnal, and Im going to marry him, and thats an end of it.

I just want to be sure that when youre marrying for love, he is too, Rodry said.

He is, Lenore insisted. Im sure of it. He is pure, and noble, and good.

Rodry started to reply to that, but Lenore held up a hand.

Please, Rodry, she said.

In that case, he said, I will go and find you a wedding present no one else could get you. He glanced over to Devin, and Devin felt the weight of the princes expectation on him. Something for you.

Thank you, Lenore said.

What about you, brother? Rodry joked, turning to Vars. Come to join us on our dangerous mission?

Im sure youre capable of hitting things stupidly with a sword by yourself, Vars replied.

At least Im willing to walk into danger when its needed, Rodry shot back. Whereas you just walk to the next wine bottle or woman.

His brother ignored him with a sneer, turning back toward the castles interior. Lenore caught Rodrys arm.

Do you have to be cruel to Vars? she asked. Maybe if you were kinder to him, he would do better.

Rodry shook his head. Hes… hes a coward, Lenore. If someone poked me like that, Id be goaded into action. Instead, he slinks away.

And maybe he wouldnt if you just encouraged him, Lenore suggested. Stay safe, she added.

I will, Rodry replied. He glanced to Devin again, and now Devin was starting to understand why the sword was so important to the prince. And I will bring you back the finest gift that I can.

***