Airdfinnan was more imposing than Jacqueline expected. The walls rose higher and the river was both wider and more agitated than had been visible at a distance. It churned as it passed, murky and heavy.
The sentries barred the bridge with their swords and she reined Lucifer to a halt. They were fully armed, a surprising detail in this apparently peaceful corner of the realm.
Perhaps their guardian took the trusteeship of the King of the Isles most seriously.
Or perhaps he defended Airdfinnan for another reason. Jacqueline wished she had pressed Angus for more of the tale.
One sentry pushed up his visor to consider her, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What happened to the knight who owns this steed?” he demanded by way of greeting.
Jacqueline’s heart sank. Angus had been here, and, wo
