Rodry charged, pushing his horse as hard as he could, only holding back at all because if he killed it before he caught up to his sister, he would find himself walking after her to save her. Beside him, his friends pushed their own horses, looking every inch the knights they sought to be, hair streaming in the wind, weapons shining in the sun.

Ahead, he saw a bridge to the south, saw the dot of the group beyond it just disappearing into the landscape beyond. Rodry breathed a sigh of relief at that, because it meant that hed guessed right about the route they would have to take. If theyd taken one of the smaller crossings, he might never have found his sister, but the sight of her there was enough to spur him on to greater efforts.

Then Rodry saw Vars, saw him standing there with a whole troop of men, simply watching their sister be carried away. Anger burned in him at that, and that anger was enough that he didnt just ride past Vars in contempt. He rode to him instead, stopping and gesturing over the bridge.

What are you doing? Rodry demanded. Why arent you riding after Lenore?

If we cross the bridge, its war, Vars replied, but Rodry could hear the tremor in his voice, guess the real reason for his reticence.

Its already war! Rodry roared back at him. And where were you when our sister was being captured?

I was… we took a wrong turn on the road.

Rodry stared at him, unable to believe it. He didnt believe it; Vars was many things, but he wasnt stupid. He could read a map, find his way. If he hadnt caught up with Lenore, it was because he hadnt wanted to.

What was it? Rodry demanded. Did you get distracted by all the inns on the way, or did you just not think that our sister was worth your time to protect? Or were you too scared to play the part of a guard? That was it, wasnt it, Vars? Cowardice, the same as always.

Im no coward, Vars insisted.

Then prove it! Rodry shouted back at him. Charge over that bridge and get our sister back.

I… Vars hesitated, and that was all that Rodry needed to know.

Coward, Rodry said. Sitting here, trying to save your own skin.

Im second in line to the throne! Vars insisted. You think I should risk myself for a sister who will never be

Rodry hit him then, hard enough to knock Vars sprawling from his saddle. His brother came up, hand going to the hilt of his sword, but one look at Rodrys expression had him stepping back, then scrambling away.