It was only a fleeting thought sparked by the sight of the castle crawling with ominous looking crystals, but Bren acted on it anyway. He left the path before he was anywhere near the front gates and hurried around toward the stables, certain that someone would stop him at any moment.

A knight must pledge obedience. A knight should remember his place.

When no one called out or clapped him on the shoulder he slowed, checking to make sure Lat was still safely lashed to his back even though he was well aware the bo hadn't gone anywhere. He just needed a moment, maybe a ride through the foothills of the mountain he'd scaled so many times before, a couple of familiar shadowling battles, and then he would be ready to face whatever new horrors lurked inside the castle walls.

By the time he arrived, most of the horses had scattered, and none of the ones that remained looked familiar. Brenley approached slowly, holding out a piece of blackened chicken to a jumpy mare. He was pretty sure horses didn't eat chicken, but it was the only food he had in abundance.

medigel