Summer 921 MC
Lord Douglas Fitzwilliam strode from the Keep. Eight of his knights were waiting, alerted by the smoke in the distance. The baron hauled himself into the saddle, casting his eyes around the group, nodding to each in turn.
Richard watched from the battlements, waiting for his father to leave. Lord Douglas, confident in his knights, set out at a brisk pace, leading them through the gatehouse and then heading west, towards the distant smoke.
Richard waited until they were out of sight, then called on Sir Guy. The knight began barking out orders and soon, a dozen men were assembled, each leading a horse.
Richard mounted Dramon, then turned to face the men, his men. “The attack was in the west,” he began, “but they’ll have to travel north to get back across the river. We shall
