The war in the foreign land was not going well when our ship arrived. Some battles had been fought, and our king’s forces had been beaten even though he outnumbered his enemy. We were ordered to help with the retreat to the ships when we were set upon by a fresh army from the enemy. I could see that we would be overrun and slaughtered if we did not act quickly. I told the captain how to turn the situation to our advantage. The captain, who had no ideas of his own and was near panicking, heeded my words, and we drove away the group attacking us. We were not as outnumbered as we’d supposed.

The captain was grateful for my quick thinking and recommended me to the captain of the king’s guard, a man by the name of Carstone, when he arrived to inspect the new arrivals. He asked me about my training and background. I told him I couldn’t remember who I was but that I knew the arts of war. Carstone said the king valued men like me and that I’d rise in rank quickly if I proved myself. The king had failed in his conquest and could expect swift retaliation from our enemy. I told him I didn’t even know the name of our king. He was surprised no one had told me. He said the king doesn’t go by his given name. He goes by the name of the duchy he once ruled. He’s an ambitious man, an enemy to the King of Comoros he once served. His name is Dieyre and he’s an expert swordsman himself. We’ll be returning to Dahomey soon to defend it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX Reunited

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Reunited

The fire in the hearth in the solar roared and crackled, and Trynne warmed herself in front of it. She had changed from her battle clothes into a lady’s gown and enjoyed the feeling of satin on her skin. There were bruises all over her body, but none of her wounds were serious or deep. She glanced toward the window seat, where Gahalatine sat with arms folded, watching her with an entranced smile.

Drew spoke in a low voice with one of the Espion, who would relay messages immediately to Kevan Amrein back at Kingfountain, alerting him of the truce and the sudden change of events. The Espion bowed and left the three of them alone in the solar. Drew clasped his hands behind his back and turned to face Gahalatine, giving him a probing look.

“Any news from your Wizrs?” he asked.

Gahalatine nodded. “Contact has been made with the Grand Duke of Brugia. The rescue is under way. Many of his soldiers are frostbitten, but we will treat them. Those who fell behind are being searched for. We will save as many as we can.”

“Thank you,” Drew said. “I was not in a position to offer much aid.”