Autumn 1097 SR
Charlaine drew her cloak tighter. While officially still autumn, a stiff wind blew in from the north, bringing with it a light drizzle. Rain was nothing new to the Temple Knight, but the drops here were like icicles, causing her to catch her breath. She hurried up the pathway to where the duke"s estate beckoned. A servant took her cloak, shaking out the rain as best he could while a young woman stood watching.
"If you"ll come this way, Sister," she said. "I"ll take you to the duke."
"Are the others here yet?" asked Charlaine.
"Captain Waleed is, but the commander sent word indicating he would be late." She started making her way down the hallway. "It"s an honour to have you here," the woman continued. "Word of your accomplishments in Ilea have proven quite popular amongs
