“It was F’ryan’s wish that we watch over her, protect her,” Laren said, her heart surging with hope.

“And I will ask you to continue to do so,” he said more softly. “I see no reason for this secret to be revealed to anyone else. At this point, I don’t think Lord Coutre could bring himself to cast out his daughter. And why should he when I am still agreeing to wed her and she will be queen? Still, I think there is no reason to tell him.”

Laren wanted to shout in triumph, but remained quiet and still. This was the response she had hoped for. This was the Zachary she knew.

He turned to Lady Estora and lifted her chin with a forefinger. “My lady, this is a brave thing you have done, to bring me the truth even while knowing what the consequences might have been. Truth often requires courage, and I hope there will only be truth between us when we are wed. You are a credit to your clan and lineage, and I believe F’ryan Coblebay was fortunate to have known you, even as you felt fortunate to have him help you through difficult times.”

Estora sobbed and Zachary produced a handkerchief for her as if by magic.

“Well then,” Laren said brightly. “There’s one more thing I wish to bring up.”

Zachary looked at her stricken. “There’s more?”

She smiled. “Indeed. When are you going to take Lady Estora into your confidence and ask that she attend to court business with you? Better she learn now rather than after she’s been crowned. Don’t you think?”

“I think, Captain Mapstone,” he said in a wry tone, “you should take over the job of running the country. After all, you seem to be running my life pretty well.”

“I must decline, Your Highness. Running your life is pleasure enough.”

KNIGHT OF THE REALM

When Karigan learned there was to be a ceremony to officially thank those involved in the rescue of Estora, she supposed it to be a simple one in which the king and Lord Coutre expressed their appreciation and that would be that. She was surprised when it turned out to be more.

Every available Rider was to attend, and to wear their formal uniforms, consisting of gold sashes, longcoats, and stocks. Karigan’s saber had been returned to her and now it hung comfortable and familiar at her side. Estora reassured her she’d not drawn it even once during her escape.

The Riders walked in a loose formation through castle corridors with Captain Mapstone, Connly, and Mara at their head. The captain wore the ancient horn of the First Rider over her shoulder and Connly bore the shimmering banner of the Green Riders.

Courtiers, soldiers, servants, and administrators had to step aside to allow the massed Riders to pass and Karigan wondered what they thought of the procession. Had Riders ever made such a show in the castle before? Not in many lifetimes, she bet, and her heart swelled with pride.

When they arrived in the throne room, she found it filled with an ample number of courtiers, Estora, and members of her family; Weapons, Castellan Sperren, and Colin Dovekey, and much to her surprise, General Harborough and Arms Master Drent, the latter scowling.

Standing solitary and solemn upon the dais was King Zachary in black and silver. Several commendations were handed out to both Riders and Weapons for their actions in rescuing Estora and securing the tombs from Second Empire. Beryl received a special commendation in recognition of long service, though details of that service went unspoken.

Karigan thought that was to be it, but then she and Fergal were singled out and commanded by the king to come before him. Drent stepped over and stood before Karigan, glaring at her. She’d never seen him in full uniform before and she thought the buttons of his black longcoat would pop off or his shoulder muscles might burst the seams. He clutched papers and looked none too happy. Maybe his collar was too tight. Or he had indigestion, or…

“It seems a certain Arms Master Rendle thinks you are worthy of commencing swordmaster initiate training,” he said, his tone indicating a difference in opinion. “Rendle! Hmph. He has offered to sponsor you as an initiate and will come to Sacor City to train you if I won’t. I therefore have little choice but to commence your training. First thing tomorrow morning. I’ve been easy on you so far, Rider. Be prepared. We’ve also the matter of missing throwing knives to discuss.”

Karigan swallowed hard and felt a bead of perspiration glide down her temple. This was the thanks she got for helping rescue Estora? While she was pleased Rendle thought so much of her skills, she was not so sure he realized what he was getting her into.

Next Lord Coutre came forward with a general of the Coutre provincial militia, bearing a cherrywood coffer. He said, “You rescued my daughter, the future queen of our land, and brought her home safely. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude, for I value nothing more than my family. I love my daughter deeply and never wanted any harm to befall her if it was in my power to protect her. When my power failed, you prevailed.”

Karigan glanced at Estora and was surprised by the stricken expression she found on her friend’s face. Had Estora not known the depth of her father’s love?

“I have here,” Lord Coutre continued, “but a token of my appreciation for what you have done. It is the highest award from Coutre Province, yet still a token. The Order of the Cormorant.”

The general opened the lid of the coffer and nestled inside on velvet were three medals of gold, each with a cobalt ribbon.

“I only wish Lord Amberhill were here to receive his medal,” Lord Coutre said, “for he proved himself valiant in pursuit of my daughter’s abductors.”