The soldiers were escorted inside for billeting while the horses were walked to the stables. Arnim had organized the watch so that Beverly could take care of Lightning. She had removed the great warhorse's tack and was just beginning to brush him down when she heard a sound at the far end of the stable; two men had just entered with their mounts.
"Damn Clansmen, I still don't trust 'em," the first man said, in a rich baritone. "After all the trouble they've caused, it's a bit strange they suddenly want to talk."
"Well, we're not at war," his companion said in a high, nasally voice.
"That's never stopped them from raiding before," the baritone reminded.
"Maybe they mean it this time," said the high voice. "After all, they sent one of their own nobles to talk to us, perhaps they're as ti
