Forming a base, Fenir added, in his usual clipped style. Ready for invasion.

Thats bad, Commander Harr said. We dont have the men to spare now to go and fight them.

Its dealt with, Sir Til said, in a tone that made it clear how it had been dealt with. We were able to defeat them.

The three of you? Commander Harr asked. He looked impressed. How many?

A dozen, Sir Til said.

A dozen, and youre all whole. He looked over at Erin. How did our newest recruit do?

Erin swallowed, certain that this would be the moment when she found herself dismissed from the Spur, sent home, forced to go back to a life of sewing and dances rather than being the warrior she wanted to be.

She fought well, Sir Til said. She needs to learn to listen a little more, and to hold onto her spear better, but she killed her share, and more. She saved my life in the fight.

Saved the life of the great Sir Til? Commander Harr said. He looked impressed, turning to Erin. He held out his hand for her to take, clasping her wrist in his. Im impressed, recruit, but not surprised. Ive seen how well you can fight. Youll need that, and soon.

Because of the threat we found? Erin asked.

Commander Harr shook his head. His expression turned serious. Its more grave than that. Weve had news from Royalsport. I have the men readying to march.

Erin frowned at that. What had happened back home? She caught herself, stopping short at the thought of the palace as home. She waited, too many thoughts running through her mind of all the things that might have gone wrong there. Was her father all right? Was her mother?

Its Princess Lenore, Commander Harr said. She has been captured by King Ravins forces and taken south.

Shock flooded through Erin at that. Of all her family, Lenore had seemed like the one who was least likely to be in danger. Rodry might charge into a fight, or Vars might be cruel to the wrong person. Nerra spent all her time in the woods unprotected, and obviously Erin herself sought out danger, but Lenore? It made no sense.

We have to get her back, Erin said. In that moment, the minor pain of her wound, or her tiredness from having ridden here from the village meant nothing. All that mattered was making sure that Lenore was all right.

King Godwin has ordered our knights to join him in marching to secure a bridge for long enough to recover her, Commander Harr said. You

Im going with you, Erin said, before he could command her to stay there, insist that she remain behind where it was safe.

Commander Harr nodded. I had no plan to stop you. Youre one of us, Erin. I was going to order you to hurry to be ready. Youll fight beside us, and together, well secure the kingdom.