still lingered on his lips. At the pace they set, there wasn’t much opportunity to talk to his brother, but it had interested him to see that Sir Kace was one of the knights in his brother’s retinue.
When they arrived at the outskirts of the village at dusk, the scouts they’d sent ahead were waiting for them. Dawson led the group, and he approached Ransom on horseback as they came closer. Torches shone from the walls of the castle, showing it was prepared for an assault.
“What have you learned?” Ransom asked Dawson.
“Duke Benedict’s men wear the badge of the Lion, and they’re roaming about the village,” said Dawson. “The first one I met asked if we’d come to swear fealty to him as the rightful king of Ceredigion.” Dawson grinned. “I asked if Benedict was up at the castle, and the man said yes. I didn’t feel it was my duty to speak on your behalf. Nor did I tell him whom I served. We’re clearly not the first to have come.”
Marcus turned in his saddle to face Ransom. “It seems Benedict is confident there will be more defectors from his father.”
“I agree,” Ransom said. He gazed at the castle atop the small rocky hill. Few people knew, but there was a secret way into the keep. He’d discovered it himself after the Younger King had perished by poison, for Alix and Sir Robert had used that passageway to escape. Did Benedict know of it? Ransom was tempted to find out, but it would be dangerous to enter the palace that way without having an exit planned.
He turned to his brother. “I want you to ride ahead and seek a meeting with the prince. Tell him that I’ve come to negotiate with authority from the king. He can meet us here, or I will come to him if he provides a writ of safe conduct.”
He had stopped in a strategic spot outside town—there was an open meadow on each side of the road, which would make it difficult for anyone to sneak up on them.
Marcus nodded. “Would you like me to bring you some supper as well?” he asked with a joking smile.
“We’ll fend for ourselves in the village. I hope he will meet with me tonight.”
“So do I,” said Marcus. “I’d rather sleep on the floor in the castle than in that meadow yonder.” He clicked his tongue and gave his horse a nudge with the spurs.
Ransom watched him depart. The shadows thickened, and the night crickets began their song. “Dawson . . . Kace. See if you can get us some food.”
They obeyed, and Ransom stayed atop Dappled, who snorted for some fodder. He stroked the beast’s neck and offered a soothing murmur while the other knights shifted restlessly. Stars began to appear in the sky, one by one, and the castle continued to shine like a beacon on its hill. Occasional bursts of noisy laughter came from the village.
In due time, Dawson and Kace returned with some sausages, bread, and a tankard of ale for them all to share. Not long after the meal was done, Marcus rode back to them bearing a scroll.
“Benedict is glad you came,” he announced as he rode closer, tapping the scroll to his forehead. “He’s anxious to speak with you and bids you come up to the castle. He offered the safe conduct without being asked for it.” A curious smile came on his face. “I think he’s going to try and woo you, Brother.”
“Maybe he’ll offer me the duchy of Glosstyr,” Ransom said with a grin.
Some of the knights chuckled around him.
“I serve the king,” Ransom said forcefully. The words, the sentiment behind them, sent a surge of Fountain magic through him.
“Shall we go with you?” his brother asked.
Ransom imagined that the castle was already full of Benedict’s men and possibly some Occitanian troops. “Wait until I call for you,” he said. “I’ll go on alone.”
“I should come as your guard, Master,” said Dawson with a bit of impetuousness.
A prickle of unease went through Ransom’s heart. He shook his head no. “I’ll send for you if all is well. The watchword is . . .” He thought for a moment. “Gemmell.”
“That was your horse, wasn’t it?” Marcus said, his brow furrowing.
“Aye, he was a gift from King Gervase,” Ransom said. “If all is clear, I’ll send someone down to bring you up. I don’t know how long it will take, so be ready and keep watch. Don’t let your guard