Prior Wishart was there, fully armed, and the Prince of Occitan. The two brothers leaned down from their horses—beckoned to Ser Michael—and the five men had a brief conference. But before Amicia’s horse could begin to fret, the baton waved again, and the column started out the gates, two by two, knights with their squires.

Prior Wishart appeared at her horse’s head and took her bridle. “You are a brave young woman,” he said. He smiled. “But we all knew that, I suspect. You are the only member of the Order to ride on this noble venture.”

“I won’t fail,” she said.

Prior Wishart nodded. “You are the best for the mission,” he said. “If they save the Queen—well and good. But if you can save the King…” He turned and spoke quietly. “Do not be afraid to take the King with you if you can, Amicia. Ser Ricar will be close to you at all times.”

“Does Gabriel know?” she asked.

Prior Wishart sighed. “No, lass. This is our own gambit. The Prince of Occitan and the Muriens have little time for our King. I cannot trust his fate entirely to your Ser Gabriel.”

She smiled. “I’ll do what I can,” she said.

He nodded, reached up and gave her a blessing.

“Where’s the infidel knight?” she asked.

“Gone in the night,” Prior Wishart answered. He shrugged. “He’s no traitor, whatever his religion. I believe your Ser Gabriel sent him with a message.”

Amicia nodded, eyes narrowed. “To Harmodius. That’s who the black man is looking for—Harmodius. I don’t know why, but he and Ser Gabriel have some… link.”

Prior Wishart fingered his beard in the damp darkness. “Ahh,” he said. “I had almost forgotten Harmodius. He is alive?”

Amicia’s turn to ride out the gate had come. She found herself paired with Nell, who was looking at her impatiently. “It’s complicated,” she said. She waved, and then she and Nell were going side by side into the foggy darkness, black as pitch, beyond the gate. Her heart began to beat faster and faster.

She wished she might have spoken to Gabriel. She said a prayer for him, and for the fear he must feel.

The fog was still and cool, and they rode.