You said that Erin here was a little too eager, Commander Harr said. What does that mean? What did she do at the village?

To Erins surprise, the two knights hesitated a moment, obviously caught between loyalty to their leader and to her.

The truth! Commander Harr bellowed.

She charged into the village, Til said. I told her to hold off, but she went in anyway.

Fought well though, Fenir said.

It doesnt matter how she fought! Commander Harr said. Not if we cant trust her to hold back when she needs to. He turned to Erin. Even now, I can see you twitching, like you want to ride for the horizon to save your sister.

Lenores in danger, Erin shot back. How could he expect her to stand there when they were wasting time?

And if shes in danger when we reach the bridges, youll abandon your companions and do what you feel you must to save her? Commander Harr asked.

Erin didnt even understand why it was a question.

No, Commander Harr said. I can see that I made a mistake, bringing you. You will return to the fortress, for your own safety, and for ours.

You… you cant ask me to do that! Erin said, unable to believe that Commander Harr would even contemplate it.

I am not asking, the commander said. Remember that you are under my command.

Erin bit back her counterargument, knowing that there was no way that she would be able to convince the commander, not in time. Instead, she offered a bow, leaning low over the back of her horse.

Very well… she said, then heeled her horse into a run.

Commander Harr bellowed behind her for her to stop, but Erin didnt even slow. She glanced back, half expecting to see knights charging after her, but they were stock-still in their positions, obeying their leaders command to halt in a way that she never could. Commander Harr called something else then, and Fenir and Til set off after her, but Erin was already well ahead, already galloping clear of them.

She galloped for the forest, knowing that in the shelter of the trees they wouldnt find her. She plunged under the shelter of the branches, following the path, not slowing down. Her horse leapt over a fallen log, its hooves thundering against the dirt of the track. Erin ducked under a branch, kept her head low, kept riding.

The sounds of pursuit faded behind her, but Erin kept going. She didnt want to risk being dragged back to the fort when she could help her sister. She had to keep going, couldnt slow down now.