12
The Blackwood Banners
The tavern reeked of old wood stained with the ale and sweat of the men who had moved on for the evening. Kaslan busied himself behind the bar, tidying after the departure of fifty or so who had just shuffled out, returning to the abandoned shacks they called home until theirs was again safe.
The few who lingered behind were what Easlan had lovingly begun calling The Blackwood Banners, the men most trusted with words spoken by moonlight alone. Jesse had become one of these men without meaning to, these bannermen of Brandyn, who the young heir drew counsel from and gave trust in return.
Both James men were in this group, as the recognized leaders of the gathering, but so was the enigmatic Rush Rider, Arturo Blackfen, and his unusual choice in companion, the high
