Prince Alstan looked over the men who"d gathered at the tournament grounds, and although they numbered some four hundred strong, the sad reality was less than a quarter of them were properly equipped.
"This is not encouraging," he grumbled.
"You must make do with what we have," replied Queen Igraine. "These men are willing to give their lives to protect us, Alstan. That"s no small sacrifice."
"Agreed, and yet how am I to defeat the Clans? This group would be hard-pressed to hold on to Summersgate, let alone marching out to face the enemy. Why, half of them are armed with little more than pitchforks."
"Nevertheless, you must give them hope."
He turned to take in the seriousness of her expression. "You"re right, of course. How would you suggest I proceed?"
"Talk to them. And I don"t me
