Summer 1096 SR
The clatter of horseshoes drew Charlaine’s attention.
“Someone"s here,” she said, her words waking Teresa, who had been dozing in a chair nearby.
The dark-haired knight rose, moving to the window.
“Well?” said Charlaine. “What do you see?”
“Not much, to be honest. An individual has arrived, but he’s wearing a hooded cloak, though his horse certainly looks impressive. I wonder who he is?”
“The baroness has visitors all the time. It’s probably another Ilean noble popping by for some drinks. That seems to be all they do all day.”
“The servants are certainly showing him deference,” noted Teresa. “Now, that’s interesting.”
“What is?”
“The servants seem afraid of him, whoever he is.”
“How do you know it’s not a woman?”
“I don’t know for sure, but whoever it is, they’re
