“Ride!” ordered Giselle. “Ride, as if our very lives depend on it!”
Charlaine led her horse through the rubble, slowly navigating the irregular opening. When she reached the cold evening air, she moved aside, waiting for her fellow sisters. It would do no good to ride off independently, only a concerted charge would have even the barest chance of success.
It took far too long to get all of them into position. Finally, they formed a line four wide and began trotting eastward. Clearing the end of the chapter house, they spotted the enemy, illuminated by the fire raging nearby. Charlaine called for the charge, and then they all spurred forward, their swords at the ready.
Charlaine, watching the distant forms as they drew closer, absently wondered if these were the same well-armoured oppone
