He unsheathed the sword Firebos, and a shimmering blue light emanated from the naked blade as he held it aloft. “The Fountain gave me this weapon just as it gave me this crown.” He lowered his sword. “And it has given me all of you.” Drew paused, his voice becoming thick with emotion. “I may not deserve such blessings, but I am grateful for them. I accept your oath of service. Serve the Fountain, and you serve me. We ride to the North. I will defend my kingdom at Dundrennan. Ride with me, my sisters. Fight with me. You each have the courage of a hundred men.”

A shout of energy throbbed in the air as the Oath Maidens united their voices in a thunderous cheer.

The army of Averanche camped that night in a meadow beside an ancient grove of yew trees. Everyone would sleep out of doors on blankets, including the king. While the men from Trynne’s garrison in Averanche had chosen to camp in the meadow itself, the women had sought the shelter of the yew trees. There were no cookfires to reveal the army’s position. The horses were being tended to.

Trynne stifled a yawn on the back of her hand, her body weary from the hard riding that day and from the events of the last few days.

“You’re exhausted, Trynne,” Drew said as he walked alongside her. They had just visited the camp of the men, where Drew had spoken to the soldiers. They had fought at the Battle of Guilme, and some were anxious at the prospect of facing Gahalatine’s forces again. They had invited the king to camp amongst them, but he had declined, saying that the Oath Maidens were charged with protecting his royal person. A gibbous moon hung in the sky, bathing the meadow in silver light.

“I am fine,” Trynne answered, struggling to conceal another yawn.

“How long has it been since you last rested?” he asked her pointedly.

She couldn’t even remember. The previous night had been a flurry of nonstop action, from her journey to the Forbidden Court to their return to Averanche. The army of Oath Maidens had begun its march immediately, and couriers had been sent out to summon the rest to Dundrennan. They had ridden hard and changed horses at Beestone castle, where they’d put the castellan on alert and sent out word via the Espion that the true king was on the march. Part of the garrison had ridden with them.

“I may have dozed a bit in the saddle,” Trynne said.

“Well, let’s remedy that. You’ll be of no use to anyone if you’re too tired. I’d like to send one of the maidens to Grand Duke Elwis. I know he wishes to reclaim Brugia, but I need his help defending the realm. Whom would you trust on such a mission?”