Free Knights: Book 02 - The Hand of Tharnin by Robert E. Keller

safe on the journey.
    Vorden, who rode alongside Lannon, smiled at his friend. "It feels good to be out riding, doesn't it? This is why we came to Dremlock--for adventure. Sure beats training and studying with the other Squires."
    "If I wasn't going to this duel," Lannon mumbled, "I probably would enjoy it. But all I can think about is that demon man. I guess I don't have the confidence everyone else seems to feel. I still can't believe we're going through with this."
    "I'm with you on that, Lannon," said Jerret, who rode a few paces behind, alongside Aldreya. "When I was attacked in Knightwood, I never saw the arrow coming. I never heard a thing. It was like all my Knightly training was useless. I guess my confidence has taken a serious blow as well."
    "But you're alive, Jerret," said Vorden. "That speaks well of your training. I'm assuming you did something to save yourself."
    "I just got lucky," said Jerret. "The arrow deflected off a metal button of my tunic, of all things. It grazed my shoulder. It was strange. I was poisoned, but it was such a small amount the White Knights managed to cure me. I'm still kind of dazed over it. It's like...I can't seem to forget about it." He sighed and ran his fingers through his tangles of blond hair. "I just keep seeing it in my mind--how close I was to death. I know it's cowardly, but I can't forget it."
    "It's not cowardly," said Lannon, who knew exactly how Jerret felt. "You were close to death. That's not an easy thing to deal with."
    "Knights face death all the time," said Vorden, shrugging. "It's just something we have to get used to."
    "We're not Knights," said Jerret. "We're Squires--and not even grown men. We're not ready to face death, but we've been forced into it by circumstance."
    "I'm ready," said Vorden. " More than ready."
    "I feel the same," said Aldreya. "It's an honor to die in the service of my kingdom, if it comes to that."
    Aldreya's unyielding courage was beyond Lannon's comprehension. He decided that Birlotes in general were beyond his comprehension. The Tree Dwellers were very proud of their ways and seemed to know their place in the world. Lannon, on the other hand, felt detached and uncertain. Vorden didn't have Aldreya's upbringing, but he was never at a loss for confidence and Lannon envied him as well. Vorden and Aldreya seemed born to be Knights.
    "Stay alert, Squires," Taris called back. "And I want Willan and Zannin to flank you whenever possible, Lannon, with drawn blades."
    Lannon's friends moved away, and the two Blue Knights took position on either side of him, their weapons drawn. They were sullen, quiet men, lean of build and adorned with leather armor. Both held swords, and their dark eyes shifted about constantly as they scanned the mist.
    "Those Blue Knights are two of Dremlock's best, Lannon," said Taris. "I want them close to you because I believe we're going to face an ambush."
    "Why do you think that?" Lannon asked, his heart beating faster. He'd been letting the Eye of Divinity wane a bit, but he sent it out with renewed vigor. He knew from experience that Taris was seldom wrong about such things.
    Taris ignored him and rode on. The Birlote sorcerer's grey cloak seemed to blend with the fog. He looked small compared to the towering figure of Jace who rode next him. Thrake Wolfaxe rode at the head of the group, battle axe in hand.
    Suddenly, Lannon glimpsed something in a grove of pines about thirty yards away--an unknown menace that appeared to him as an evil, crouching shadow. The shadow seemed to consist of squirming, smaller shadows--as if the being were made of writhing serpents. The distance was considerable and Lannon couldn't seem to summon the strength to determine exactly what manner of foe was hiding amongst the trees. At last he called out a warning to Taris.
    "What do you see?" Taris asked, drawing his stone dagger.
    Lannon pointed at the pines. "I'm not sure what it is."
    Taris motioned to Thrake Wolfaxe and the two rode into