“Firebrand, your scouts are very good, but perhaps I will find the traps of Second Empire more easily.”

“This is not your fight, Enver of Eletia.”

“Is it not? These people claim themselves to be the descendants of the Arcosian Empire, and adhere to its ways. Should they gain the upper hand, will they destroy Eletia as their ancestors destroyed Argenthyne? I would rather not find out.”

“Then we are honored to have your help.”

“I go where Karigan goes,” Estral said. “I’m of no use in a fight.”

Zachary gazed at Karigan. “Then perhaps the two of you should prepare to leave.”

Karigan shook her head. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I realize I’m not much good to anyone right now, but I’m not sure I could ride even a short distance.”

It was something that she admitted her limitations. Zachary glanced at Enver for his confirmation as a mender.

“It would be better for the Galadheon to not undo the healing to her back. This place is protected by wards and illusions. They should be safe.”

“Besides,” Karigan said, “Enver and I haven’t found the p’ehdrose yet. I haven’t completed my mission.”

He stared in disbelief at her. “Karigan—Rider, I don’t expect you to seek the p’ehdrose at this point. Not after what happened to you.”

“I would like to continue. I can’t imagine it would hurt to have more allies.”

“We will discuss it later, after we take the Lone Forest. In the meantime, I won’t ask you and Lady Estral to move. I will ask Captain Treman to post guards to this site to ensure your safety.”

Again, Karigan did not argue when he expected her to. But then, she was intelligent, and even with her stubborn nature, common sense prevailed. He hoped that was what it was and that she wasn’t giving up. But she smiled and there was that spark in her eye. Much relieved, he nodded to her and the others, and turned to resume preparations.

The black the king wore transformed him, and it startled Karigan. From rugged man in buckskin, to stern king in black. She watched him now as he consulted with Captain Treman, his intensity, the barely contained energy. If she were not such a liability in her weakened state, she would go with him into the Lone Forest, make sure he came out alive. But she could barely sit up for any length of time. The soak in the hot spring had been wonderful, but exhausting.

Lieutenant Rennard approached Estral almost shyly. “My lady,” he said, “this may be a bit forward of me, but seeing as no one knows how a battle may turn, I was—I was wondering if I might have some token of your kind regard to carry with me. For luck, of course.”

Estral’s cheeks grew red. “Uh . . .”

“I’m sorry,” he said hastily. “It was wrong of me to ask. Please, forgive me.” He started to turn away.

Karigan shot Estral a significant look. “He’s going into battle,” she whispered.

“Wait!” Estral cried. He paused, a hopeful look on his face. “You took me off guard. Of course I’ll give you a token. I, er, just have to find one.”

Rennard gave her a most gentlemanly bow and turned to attend the captain, a broad smile on his face and a certain bounce to his step.

Estral sat beside Karigan and groaned. “What am I getting into?”

“You are putting him in a good frame of mind for battle,” Karigan replied. “You can put him off after, if he returns.”

“If? I hadn’t considered that he might not.”

“There is always the risk that no matter how well trained, no matter how strong, or how much experience a soldier has, he may not come back.” It was not Rennard whom Karigan watched as she spoke, but her king.

Estral followed her gaze. “They’ll come back. They have to. Even my foolish father, who insists he must go.”

Karigan had lost enough Rider friends to know they did not always return.

“I asked Connly if he’d been in communication with Trace at all,” Estral said. “If he had news of Alton and the wall.”

“And?”

“Days before he and the River Unit found us, Trace told him all the Riders, except Alton, had been ordered to return to Sacor City. Trace and the others had already left the wall and were on their way. Trace guessed they were needed to supplement the search for the king.”

“Even Dale?”

Estral nodded.

“Oh, dear,” Karigan said. “That can’t have made Alton happy.”

“Apparently he was furious.” Estral frowned. “First me being gone, then his losing the little help he had? I hope he does not become angry again like he was.”

Karigan knew exactly what she was talking about. The wall had changed Alton, made him volatile, obsessed with its repair. But when Estral had entered his life, he had changed again. She eased his fury. Estral had told her that sometimes the old anger simmered, but it dissipated quickly.

“I am sure he misses you very much,” she told Estral.

“You don’t know how much I’ve wished to have him here.” Estral shook herself. “Now I need to find something for Rennard. Any suggestions?”

“Usually a handkerchief will do.”

“Just like the old ballads.” Estral grimaced. “I don’t think he’ll want one of mine. They’re all rather . . . used.”

Karigan smiled. “You’ll come up with something. I am worn out now. Going to go rest.”