We all gathered near the south gate before dawn. As soon as I showed up with Delik Slin and the guards my father came over, his army chainmail shirt jingling and a big smile on his face. “Good morning, son.”

I did not care for that. “Maybe we should stick to using each other’s names in front of everybody else. I don’t want them to think you’re getting any special treatment.”

“Yes, sir!” He said enthusiastically while he saluted me. Then he leaned in and lowered his voice. “Lord Tarin ordered me to protect you, son. Said I was to stick close.”

I nodded. “That makes sense.” It didn’t, of course, as I’ve already mentioned, but no need to be cruel to the elderly. Each year older I get I find that less funny. “But I think I’ll be fine while we’re still in the city.” By that I meant he should back off, but he didn’t figure that out, so he just stood there right next to me keeping a sharp eye out while we all waited for the drants to attack. It was great.

The calvary that was supposed to break us out so we could go investigate Mount Kathaldi consisted of about two hundred and fifty men with their horses. At least that’s what Delik Slin had told me at dinner the night before. They were gathered closer to the gates, but not yet mounted. We had our horses, too. Fifty-two of them. Everybody got two horses so we could switch them out as we rode and make better time. All in all, it smelled great.

We were waiting for what seemed like a very long time. I guess the awkwardness of having my father there slowed time to a crawl so I could enjoy it for longer. Is there a demi-god of awkwardness? Anyway, eventually, right before I died of old age, or uncomfortableness, or family, the drants attacked. I almost cheered before I remembered that would make me look like a drant loving traitor. “When should we mount up?” I asked no one in particular.

“Not until the calvary does.” Venzik answered. I forgot he’d been in the Elvandran military. He probably knew all kinds of stuff. “No sense making them carry our weight for longer. We want them as fresh as possible so we can reach Tarn by nightfall.”

“Really? We can reach Tarn in one day?” I asked. If you remember from the first book I’m not a big horse guy. They’re fine. I ride them and all, but I’ve never owned one, or loved one. Not like Thilos. He is crazy for horses.

We waited another half an hour, maybe, in boring, uncomfortable, silence, watching the men on the walls push back the drants, until a series of ugly horn calls rang out and the fight on the walls slackened. A calvary officer walked over to us and approached me. “Lord S’Vig?” I nodded. “I am cavalry captain Klote of the house of Avera, at your service.”

“A pleasure to meet you, captain. You and your men are very impressive.” It’s always a good idea to get on the good side of a guy whose job is to keep you alive. Another gold nugget of life advice as a gift from me to you. I feel like you readers are really getting your money’s worth. Plus, they did look impressive. Both the men and the horses were large, fit and well armored. They weren’t in full plate but it seemed close to it. They looked like we might actually survive the day. Nice.

“Thank you, my lord. The drant horns that you just heard called off some of the forces attacking the gate. We are just going to give them about fifteen minutes to move away before we open the gates and sally forth.”

“Thank you, captain. I appreciate the update. We all do.”

“Of course, sir. I will send one of my men to ride with you and let you know when you should make a break for it. Then we will follow after you until Tarn, but don’t wait for us. You have spare horses and they are less encumbered than ours are so you will be able to go much faster than we can. Just know that no one can get to you on the road from behind without going through us first.”

“Thank you. That is very reassuring, captain Klote. May I ask why you are going all the way to Tarn?”

The captain glanced at the rest of the calvary, obviously anxious to return, but he quickly turned back to face me. “Of course, my lord. Since we will be beyond the siege, we are to check on the situation in Tarn, which, as you know, is the only walled village near Ansdron. If they need help we are to provide it, including escorting any of the residents who desire it to the safety of the city.”

“I see.” I smiled. “I can also see that you wish to return to your men. Return to your duty and we will ready ourselves.”

“Thank you, my lord. Just give us some time to start clearing the way before you follow us, and stay on the road, if possible. Once we break through you will want to ride as hard as you can for at least a short time, to ensure that they follow me and my men, if anyone.” With a quick bow he started off towards his waiting men.

“Of course.” I watched him mount up and signal to his men to do the same. It took several minutes before the cavalry was mounted and formed up before the gates. Captain Klote raised his sword and the gates began to swing inward, a half a dozen men on each side pulling the heavy ropes as hard as they could. Atop the walls every man with a bow was firing arrows into the drants outside the gate as fast as they could.