Charlaine rode through the gates of the commandery and into the courtyard. She dismounted, keeping a tight hold on her horse. The beast had proven temperamental on every patrol she had accompanied, and she found herself missing Stormcloud. Charlaine looked across the courtyard to see Marlena exiting the building.
"Commander," her adjutant said. "You have a visitor."
"Oh? Did I forget an appointment?"
"No. She arrived unannounced."
"Now you have me intrigued. Who is it?"
"Princess Rebecca."
"And she"s here to see me?"
"Of course," said Marlena. "Who else would she be here to see?"
"I invited her to tour the Valiant, not the commandery."
Valiant"Can"t she do both? Or are you afraid we"re not up to a visit?"
Charlaine chuckled. "After all the work we did getting this place into shap
