“It’s less than I hoped, but more than I expected,” the Rogue Knight said. “I appreciate your candor and loyalty. It will be rewarded. Our first order of business will be to visit the secret prisoner.”

“There is more than one,” Oster said.

“One is more secret than the others,” the Rogue Knight said.

“Perhaps, but that prisoner—” Oster began.

“Is now under my control,” the Rogue Knight finished. “We cannot win the coming battle by force. Bargaining may be necessary.”

Oster tapped the side of his nose. “Savvy thought. You’re no fool.”

“It’s seldom listed among my faults,” the Rogue Knight said. “Can you confirm the identity of the prisoner?”

“I have no idea,” Oster said. “Only the Dreadknight knew, along with a few of those Enforcer types who come and go. The rest of us never even glimpsed the prisoner. But you’re right. You now have the authority to find out.”

“Make that our first destination,” the Rogue Knight said.

They walked through the yawning gates of Blackmont Castle and into a courtyard built to intimidate. Jace pointed out a row of brownish skulls mounted on spikes. Cole noticed a collection of yellowed rib cages. The Rogue Knight ordered the gates closed behind them. He then sent three of his knights to ensure they stayed shut.

Oster led the way into the castle itself. They climbed stairs and traversed halls. Guardsmen saluted as they passed. At length they reached a sturdy iron door guarded by two men in armor.

“Meet the Rogue Knight,” Oster said to the guards. “He’s the new champion of Edgemont.”

“Open the door and stand aside,” the Rogue Knight ordered.

The guards glanced at each other uncomfortably. One of them cleared his throat. “We can’t let you pass.”

“I’m the champion of this town and the master of this castle,” the Rogue Knight said, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Step aside, or you will be executed for treason.”

“Our orders come from a higher authority,” one of the guards explained.

Cole noticed Dalton backing up. He did likewise. It looked like a fight was brewing.

The Rogue Knight drew his sword. “There is no higher authority in my town or in my castle,” he said, his voice soft but adamant. “Final warning.” The knights behind the Rogue Knight took out their weapons as well.

“He just dispatched the Dreadknight in single combat,” Oster stressed. “Do you really want to resist his orders?”

“He’ll be champion for a matter of minutes,” one of the guards said. “Are you sure you want to side with him and face execution by the Enforcers?”

“By all laws and traditions, the Rogue Knight is our true champion,” Oster said. “Must you insist on an immediate death? Are you that loyal to the High King’s attack dogs?”

“We know our duty,” the other guard said. “The Dreadknight had permission to access the prisoner. No other person outside the Enforcers has been authorized.”

“I admire your commitment to your duty,” the Rogue Knight said. “Unfortunately, your allegiance is misplaced. I find you guilty of treason.” The Rogue Knight made a gesture with two fingers.

Cole looked away as two knights stepped forward. He heard weapons clash a couple of times. When he looked back, the guards were on the ground. Crouching, Oster retrieved a set of keys.

Dalton gaped at the fallen guards with wide eyes. Cole met his gaze and saw his own revulsion reflected there. Jace, on the other hand, appeared unfazed by the violence. Cole wondered how much of that was a facade.

“How many other guards?” the Rogue Knight asked.

“Ten, I believe,” Oster said, inserting a key into the iron door and hauling it open.

“Will they surrender?” the Rogue Knight inquired.

“Doubtful,” Oster said. “They will have been briefed the same as these two.”

The Rogue Knight turned to his knights. “Go ahead of us. Give any guards you encounter the chance to surrender. Explain my victory and my intentions. If they insist on treason, execute them.”

“Let me accompany your knights,” Oster said. “The guards know me. As second knight, I was third in command here. At least they’ll know the tale of your victory is authentic if it comes from my lips.”

“Very well,” the Rogue Knight agreed.

“You’ll find the prisoner at the very top of the stairs,” Oster said. “I’ll await you there.”

Six knights and Oster hurried through the door and up the stone steps, leaving the Rogue Knight alone with Mira, Cole, Dalton, Jace, Twitch, Joe, Skye, and Sultan. The Rogue Knight turned to address them.

“Some of you possess enchanting abilities,” he said.

“I do,” Skye replied. “As does Sultan. The boy Dalton has some skill as well.”

“It is only a matter of time before we are attacked from within and without,” the Rogue Knight said. “If necessary, I can fight my way free with my knights, but I won’t be able to protect Mira and Honor against the numbers I expect to combine against us. Your talents may be required to get the princesses to safety.”

“You’ll let us go?” Mira asked.

“I never had any intent to harm you,” the Rogue Knight said. “I hoped that your company might improve my chances of securing the duels I desire. But today, keeping you with me could injure you.”

“What are you trying to accomplish with your duels?” Mira asked.

The Rogue Knight paused. “I want to take back Elloweer. Just as your father dealt with you unjustly, he has dealt unfairly with the kingdoms under his stewardship. The office of High Shaper was never meant for a dictator. Your father drove four of the five Grand Shapers into hiding and claimed ownership of kingdoms that should have benefitted from his protection. He invokes arcane and questionable powers to secure his position and accomplish his aims. We are only beginning to see the destruction his greed will produce. Somebody has to stop him.”

“Why not work with the resistance?” Skye asked. “The Unseen?”

“You have your methods,” the Rogue Knight replied. “I have mine. I’ll work with you today, if you will protect the princesses.”

“We’re here to serve them,” Skye assured him.

“I hope so,” the Rogue Knight said. “If I entrust them to your care, I will hold you personally responsible for their welfare.”