Summer 1096 SR
Charlaine moved to the window, staring out at the distant harbour. It had been three days now, and she was walking around freely, though she still tired much too quickly for her liking.
Ships were lined up at the wharves while dozens more sat at anchor farther out. Rizela was a natural harbour, the city having grown around a protected bay formed by two spits of land. A pair of large towers, replete with ballistae and catapults, guarded the entrance. It was said that only the port city of Corassus was more heavily defended, but Charlaine had her doubts. Attack from the sea might be difficult, but the landward defensives were lacking to her trained eye.
The door behind her opened, revealing Gwalinor. “Time for some exercise, I think. How are you feeling today?”
“Almost bac
