‘Best get the last galleys shifted across this marshland then,’ Dath said, looking up at the sun.

The next morning saw one hundred and fifty Jehar mounted and ready, horses stamping and restless, happy to be on solid ground and full of energy. Balur had taken a handful of Benothi and holed the hulls of the three pot-bellied transporters, sinking them into the depths of the river.

Better that than the Vin Thalun reclaim them, thought Corban.

Corban stood on the riverbank with Storm and Shield. He stamped his feet and blew warm breath into his hands. It was cold, a new chill to the air.

Summer is waning. We need to reach Drassil before winter finds us.

Shield nudged him and snorted.

‘Sorry, lad,’ Corban said, rubbing the stallion’s nose and patting his muscular neck. ‘I’ll miss you. Behave for Tukul. And enjoy your run.’ Shield had pranced off of the transporter like a coiled spring, full of life and energy, eager to gallop. Corban felt jealous that he would not be riding him across Isiltir to Gramm’s hold.

Tukul was embracing Gar. He stepped back and held Gar’s face in his hands.

‘Look after our Bright Star while I’m gone.’

‘I have done so for close to eighteen years,’ Gar said indignantly. ‘I’ll not be stopping now.’

Tukul flashed a grin. ‘My beloved son,’ he said and kissed Gar’s cheek.

Corban turned away, memories stirring of his da. He came face to face with Coralen, who was checking her mount’s saddle girth.

‘Be careful,’ Corban said to her.

‘Huh,’ Coralen grunted.

They regarded each other, Corban noticing the emerald of her eyes, the pink flush of her freckled cheeks in the chill dawn air.

Footsteps thudded and Farrell appeared, Cywen and Dath with them.

‘I could come with you,’ Farrell said.

‘And why would you do that?’ Coralen snapped.

‘You might need me?’

Coralen just sighed and shook her head. She swung gracefully up into her saddle.

That’s remarkably reserved for her. She must be going soft.

‘Here, this is for you,’ Cywen said, grinning as she held out a throwing-knife in a fine sheath and wrapped in a belt.

Coralen drew the knife and smiled, pale sunlight glinting on the iron.

‘I’ll practise every day,’ Coralen said.

‘See that you do.’

‘And make sure no one’s standing close by,’ Corban added.

Coralen scowled at him.

‘Time to go,’ Tukul called out. He leaned in his saddle and he and Corban gripped arms.

‘Ride fast, and I’ll see you after,’ Corban said.

‘Aye. This side or the other.’

‘No,’ Corban said. ‘At Gramm’s. That’s my first order to you. Stay alive. All of you.’