Kaira pulled on a robe and walked over to the arched window in her bedchamber. It overlooked the courtyard and she watched the bustle of the people as they went to and fro on their various business. What time was it? The sun looked as if it were two-thirds along its path. Did she really sleep that long? The ride back to the castle was still a little fuzzy in her head, but she remembered that Lance carried her up to her room. This was starting to become a bit of a habit, she thought with a small smile.

As she turned her attention back to the scene below, she watched three mounted knights ride into the bailey at full gallop. They rode up to the steps of the keep below, drew their horses to an abrupt halt, and jumped down. Immediately, the horses were led away while the knights entered the...

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