Ser Gabriel followed Jamie out of the hall and into the barracks tower where the Captain of Albinkirk had his office.

Ser John was sitting in an old, black robe and was wearing spectacles. He had a bag on his desk, and opposite him sat a very young man wearing the golden belt of a knight.

The Red Knight smiled. “Ser Galahad!” he said. Galahad D’Acon had been one of the heroes of the fight at Lissen Carak.

“So kind of you to remember me, your grace,” the younger man said, rising so suddenly that his spurs tangled.

“Young Galahad comes as a royal messenger,” Ser John said. “He brought us several writs.” Ser John scratched his beard and straightened the spectacles on his nose.

“And to save my life,” Galahad said. He shook his head. “The queen’s knights…” He looked at Ser John. “She sent me herself. The Galles are killing our people, and the King does nothing to prevent it.” He clenched his fists. “They talk of arresting Lady Almspend.”

Ser John nodded. “You’ve had a difficult journey,” he said to the young knight. “Go get some food.”

As soon as Galahad was out the door and Jamie Le Hoek had closed it, Ser John turned, tapping a scroll on his teeth. “He was on the road for nine days. Bad weather and mud and too many convoys to pass.”

Ser Gabriel settled into the chair, still warm from the messenger’s heat.

“De Vrailly is going to formally accuse the queen of adultery,” he said. “As the king’s champion, he’ll accuse her.”

Ser Gabriel turned this piece of information over. And over. “I see,” he said.

“I doubt you do,” Ser John said. “This’ll be the war.”

“The queen is that popular?” Ser Gabriel asked, rhetorically.

“The King must have lost his wits,” Ser John said. “T’other scroll is a tax demand on the Earl of Westwall.”

Ser Gabriel smiled. “I see,” he said. Because he did.

“There’s more. The Archbishop of Lorica has called a council to investigate…” He looked down. “A range of charges of heresy,” he quoted. “Against the Order of St. Thomas.” He met the Red Knight’s eyes. “I have to tell you, your grace, that the nun’s preaching is listed on the charges.”

“Sister Amicia?” Gabriel asked.

“She’s virtually a saint, to the people hereabouts,” Ser John said. “There isn’t a man-at-arms in Albinkirk who hasn’t felt her healing. Or her wisdom.”

Ser Gabriel flushed.

Ser John frowned. “It’s as if the King is working to destroy the kingdom.” He shook his head. “De Vrailly’s accusation will no doubt take place at the tourney.”

“And de Vrailly will be the accuser,” Ser Gabriel said.

“Can you take him?” Ser John asked.

Ser Gabriel sighed. “Mayhap,” he said. “I hesitate to stake the future of Alba on it.”