The sergeant and Varss guards were holding a rough crescent around the door, Rodry and the others horses within it, waiting. The men there were surrounded by King Ravins troops, who were limited only by the ditches, which meant that they could only come forward a few at a time, fighting and falling, the screams of the dying horrible to hear.

We need a way out of this, Rodry said to the sergeant. We need to get my sister to safety.

We still have the horses, your highness, the man said. But theres no path for them. The most my men can do is hold this line, draw their strength. To escape… youd have to cut your way through. We could distract them with a charge, but then…

Rodry knew without being told how difficult that would be. There were deep ranks of the enemy now, easily enough to bring down horses. To get his sister through all of it seemed impossible. Yet what was the alternative? Surrender? Give her back to King Ravins men to do with as they wished? He turned to Lenore.

Can you ride? he asked.

She hesitated, then nodded. Rodry picked out the strongest of the mounts there, his own, helping Lenore into the saddle. He took Seriss horse, swinging up beside her. Around him, his friends mounted up, while the sergeants men continued to hold the regiment around the lodge at bay.

Men! Rodry called out. I wish I could say that I was sorry for leading you into this, but the truth is that I would do it a hundred more times if it would save my sister.

And wed follow! Kay called back. He had blood at his side, but he sat straight in the saddle.

We need to cut our way clear. Ill not lie, it will be far from easy. But we must try! We must be the warriors I know you all to be!

Hed never been prouder of his friends than as they started to ready lances, sitting tall in the saddle. They formed up in a wedge around Lenores horse, even though they must all know how dangerous that was.

We shield the princess, he told them. We get her to safety. Whatever the cost!

He turned back to his sister.

Remember, keep riding, no matter what happens.

Rodry…

I love you, sister, he said.

I love you too.

Then keep riding, he insisted. Get to the bridge. Get to safety.

He turned back to the battle before him. Sergeant, when youre ready.

The other man nodded. Men, to me! Charge!

The guardsmen moved as one, plunging into the enemy, a fist punching into their ranks. Men died in the first rush of that charge, but they cut into the ranks of Ravins men, slicing so deep into them that for a moment Rodry thought they might scatter them completely.