Erin rode back and forth along the column of knights heading south, frustrated that she could, frustrated that they werent charging along at a full gallop. Around her, the Knights of the Spur shone atop their horses, their armor and barding glinting in the sun, but that only seemed to make it worse; it made it seem like a parade, rather than a charge to save her sister.

They were crossing the farmland south of the Spur, the column of knights shining against the green and gold of the fields, but they werent far off the forests that covered so much of the ground between them and Royalsport now. It still didnt seem like theyd gone far enough; not even close.

Erin reached the front, where Commander Harr sat atop a horse so large it barely seemed like a horse at all beneath its armor, more like some steel-clad monster. A pennant flew from his lance, with the image of the spur outlined against a blue background.

You seem to be riding three leagues for every one the rest of us manage, Commander Harr said, his tone far too calm for Erins taste, given that they were riding to war. Shouldnt he have sounded more urgent, more worried for Lenores safety?

Were going too slowly! Erin said. We could be riding twice as fast as this.

For a day, perhaps, Commander Harr said. But then we would have to stop. Even if we did make it to the river in a hurry, we would be exhausted when it came to any fighting.

But were the Knights of the Spur! Erin insisted. Arent you supposed to be warriors out of legend, able to fight all day, against any enemy?

And because of that, the king expects us to be able to fight his enemies when we arrive, Commander Harr said. Resume your place in the ranks. There is much marching still to go.

I know how far there is to go, Erin said. Thats the problem.

Commander Harr raised one closed fist, and behind him, the entire column drew to a halt, stopping with the kind of discipline that only the Knights of the Spur could manage.

I gave you an order, recruit, he said.

You think thats the most important thing right now? Erin shot back. When my sisters out there somewhere, in the hands of King Ravin, you think thats the thing that matters?

I think it matters whether I can trust you to do what youre commanded, no matter what youre feeling, Commander Harr said. I think the lives of your companions might depend on how well you can do that.

I wont endanger the others, Erin said, but even as she said it, she itched to keep riding. Every second they wasted here was another in which her sister was growing further away.

Wont you? Commander Harr demanded. Til, Fenir, get up here!

The two knights rode forward, coming to a halt before Erin and the commander.