“My lady, I’ve just spoken to a ship captain from Genevar. He has news from your mother.”

Trynne quickly rose, her heart fluttering in her chest. Her worried look prompted Thierry to continue. “My lady, the captain encountered your mother’s ship in the open seas. He hastened to Ploemeur after unloading his cargo in Genevar to share the news. Firstly, that he did encounter her ship. He had not heard of her departure and was surprised to find her so far from Brythonica. Secondly, he warned her that he had encountered an enormous fleet at anchor in the Myristican Islands and had discovered, while trading there, that they were preparing to sail toward our shores. The captain feared your mother’s ship would encounter them. He also wanted to hasten here to warn us to prepare in case they strike at Legault or Brythonica.”

Fallon rose instantly, his expression grave. “Attacking from the west, not the east,” he said, nodding his head. “This is timely news.”

“Indeed,” Thierry said, his head bobbing in agreement. “I can have the captain brought if you would like to speak with him yourself.”

“I would,” Trynne said, also rising. “Fallon, I can take you to Kingfountain. The king must be told at once.”

His eyebrows wrinkled. “Thank you for offering, but there’s no need. I will ride to Kingfountain straightaway.”

“But I can bring you and return instantly.”

“You are needed here, Trynne. I can be there in three days. If Gahalatine attacks Ploemeur, I will come to your aid. North Cumbria is ready to defend our shores.”

“I know you will,” Trynne said. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. It was a little strange that he’d refused her twice, but she didn’t wish to question him. There’d been too many misunderstandings between them.

He stared down at their hands, his mouth twitching as he wrestled with his feelings. “I must go.”

If Thierry hadn’t been standing there, she would have hugged Fallon good-bye. Her heart was still at war with her destiny, now more than ever. Fallon squeezed her hand and then rushed from the room. The moment he left, the emptiness of the room was palpable to her. She decided to leave the Wizr board untouched.