Free Frostborn: The False King by Jonathan Moeller Page A

thirty men-at-arms to accompany the Keeper, preferably ones that have experience with the manetaurs and the tygrai.” 
    “It will be done,” said Sebastian. 
    “I will need to visit Nightmane Forest first,” said Calliande. 
    Arandar blinked. “Why?”
    “Ridmark was the one who saved Prince Curzonar’s life,” said Calliande. “The manetaurs will respond favorably to him. Additionally, Brother Caius was with Ridmark, and Brother Caius was a noble of the dwarves before he became a friar. He will make a useful guide in Khald Tormen.”
    Arandar stared at her, and Calliande felt a wave of embarrassment her. She half-expected Arandar to accuse her of going to Nightmane Forest to see Ridmark again. The truth of the matter was that they desperately needed allies, and the help of Ridmark and Caius would increase their chances of success. For that matter, she wanted to check on Queen Mara and the Anathgrimm. The warriors of Nightmane Forest had been fighting the Frostborn alone for a year, and she wanted them to know that they had not been abandoned, that as soon as the realm had been reunified the armies of Andomhaim would march to their aid. 
    All those were excellent reasons to go to Nightmane Forest. 
    Her heart dwelled upon a different reason, and she expected Arandar to accuse her of it. 
    “Again, you speak wisely,” said Arandar, and Calliande kept the surprise from her expression. Again she rebuked herself. She was the Keeper, not a love-struck girl. “Truth be told, I will be relieved if the Gray Knight travels in your company. If Tymandain Shadowbearer and Mournacht could not kill him, our enemies will find it hard to kill you in his company.”
    Calliande glanced at Leogrance Arban, but the Dux of Taliand said nothing. He never did when the topic of Ridmark came up, and it annoyed Calliande. Arandar had lifted the decree of banishment against Ridmark. He was no longer exiled from the High King’s realm, but that did not seem to matter to Leogrance. 
    “I hope so,” said Calliande.
    “Take our greetings to Queen Mara,” said Arandar, “and to Lord Ridmark as well.”
    “I shall,” said Calliande.
    “I will send messages ahead,” said Kurastus. “I know that some Magistri had to take shelter in Nightmane Forest as the Frostborn overran the Northerland. If Queen Mara has news of your coming, perhaps she can send an escort of Anathgrimm.” 
    “And our prayers go with you,” said Arandar, “for we need allies. Go with God, Calliande of Tarlion, and may the Dominus Christus watch over you.”
    “Thank you,” said Calliande, and she turned to go.
    “Lady Calliande?” said Arandar.
    She paused. “My lord Prince?”
    “Please,” said Arandar, “give my greetings to my children, once you arrive in Nightmane Forest.”
    “I shall,” said Calliande, and she went to prepare for the journey. 
     
    ###
     
    Gavin laughed as he steered his horse through the northern gate of Castra Carhaine.
    “Is something amusing?” said Antenora. 
    “A bit,” said Gavin, twisting in the saddle to look at her. 
    Thirty horsemen in the tabards of the House of the Aurelii, a golden lion’s head upon a field of green, rode around them, led by Sir Ector Naxius, a bearded middle-aged knight in Dux Sebastian’s service. Calliande rode in their midst, wearing her usual green cloak and jerkin, the staff of the Keeper across her saddle.
    “What is amusing?” said Antenora. 
    “We went to so much work to enter Castra Carhaine,” said Gavin, “that it seems odd to leave the next day.”
    “It is the nature of war,” said Antenora with a shrug. “One is ever on the move, and the fortunes of war change quickly.” 
    “Yes,” said Gavin. He hesitated. “I am looking forward to seeing the Gray Knight and the others again.”
    “We have gone into great perils together,” said Antenora. “That creates a bond.” 
    Gavin sighed. “If they’re still alive.”
    “We may hope,” said Antenora.