Kaira’s mind was focused on the Great Lady’s assignment as they rode back to the castle. She knew Lance, the prince, and Shal would be going with her, and that knowledge gave her comfort. She wondered how they would react when they found out they were going in search of Lord DuPraye’s mother. “Why are you so quiet?” Birjanji asked.

“The Great Lady told me we have a job to do. We are going on a journey.”

“We are going on a quest? What kind of quest?”

“Well, we are going in search of someone.”

“Who?”

“The Great Lady told me not to say where we are going until we are on our way. Giska is to go with us.”

“Giska?”