The army stretched out along the road, with Alric leading them, accompanied by his personal cavalrymen. Sir Preston, as senior knight, deployed his own men to act as a screening force, but so far, there"d been little to observe. Next came the footmen, interspersed with companies of archers.
Even though it wasn"t the largest army Merceria had ever fielded, it made up for numbers with experience, for each warrior was a veteran, survivors of near-constant warfare for the last few years.
Anna joined the column, looking over her shoulder to watch the men marching behind her. Upon seeing their queen, they let out a cheer, and she smiled.
"They love you," said Fitz. "You"re a far cry from your predecessor."
"I must admit, I never really knew King Andred. You worked closely with him, didn"t yo
