And that was when she saw the first row of ships emerging in a line from the bank of fog.

The main hall of the palace in Ploemeur was thronged with people. The citizenry who lived down below were hunkered in their homes, doors bolted. They were all praying to Our Lady to save them from the invasion that had started on the very eve that King Drew had named his new champion.

Gahalatine was striking Brythonica first. As soon as the ships had been sighted, messengers had rushed eastward to deliver the ill tidings. It was up to Trynne to protect her people, and she felt frightened for them, for her realm, and for herself. Her battle captains had gathered, as well as the captain of the night watch. Her herald stood by listening. There were so many ships sailing toward them, Trynne suspected the first part of the battle would happen on the beaches. She was not going to sit still. As soon as the meeting was finished, she intended to garb herself in armor and fight for her duchy as the Painted Knight.

“My lady, our scouts have counted a massive squadron,” the navy commander said. “They are not concealing their approach. There are six treasure ships and over a hundred support vessels. They are coming en masse!”

“And why did we have no warning?” Trynne said angrily. “I thought our fleet had encircled the area to give us advance word?”

The commander looked stricken. “I can only surmise that our defenses were insufficient. They are coming in with the night tide. They could not have chosen a more advantageous moment to attack.”

“Of course not,” Trynne said, thinking of Gahalatine’s cocksure expression when he had launched his attack on the oasis. Was he part of this attack? Would she have to face him sword to sword?

“This squadron is only a portion of Gahalatine’s fleet,” Trynne said next, shaking her head. “He has many more ships than this, enough to attack our entire coast. This is only the first wave. I am certain of that.” Her stomach twisted with worry. “Keep the citizens indoors. I do not think they will be harmed if they stay away from the fighting. I will not surrender Ploemeur without a contest. Send word to Pree and see how soon they can send soldiers to relieve us.”

“Aye, my lady,” replied her herald, Farnes.

A commotion erupted from the hall as the doorway was thrust open. “The castle! They’re in the castle!” a serving girl shrieked in panic.

“What? How?” barked one of the captains. “Where are they?”

“They came from the chapel,” the girl said through her sobs.

The sound of weapons and clanging armor lit up the corridor.

Benjamin grabbed Trynne’s arm. “My lady, you must flee!”

She shook herself free. “I will not abandon Ploemeur so quickly. Bring me my swords.”

He stared at her incredulously. “My lady?”