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“Hello,” Karigan said in surprise It was unusual for the captain to see off any of her Riders Usually she was too busy attending the king or sitting in on s

The captain dusted her hands off on her trousers “Good !”

“His hooves all right?” Karigan stroked the big chestnut’s nose and he bobbed his head

“Perfect He’s in fine fettle, and see of which…” And the captain smiled “You wouldn’t happen to have sos, would you?”

Karigan did not, for she had packed extra layers of clothes to contend with the colder weather, but she’d uess why the captain asked

“Certainly,” she said

The captain’s shtened “Wonderful” She walked over to a bale of hay sitting against the wall and picked up a package bound in paper and string, as well as a et it too near a campfire—there’s some chocolate in it from Master Gruntler’s”

Karigan chuckled Melry, or Mel as the captain’s adopted daughter preferred to be called, would be thrilled Master Gruntler was the premier confectioner in Sacor City, and Mel often spent any currency she earned in his shop Currently, Mel was attending Seliuan would be sure to visit with her there She took the package fros topouches to Condor’s saddle and lashed on her bedroll

The captain handed her the e satchel The leather ell scarred and worn, but the eed horse punched into its flap rean crossed the strap over her shoulder so that the pouch fell coht hip, opposite her saber

“There’s a letter for Melry in the satchel,” the captain told her, “as well as the es for lords Fiori and Mirwell, and the certificate of purchase for horses, which you will present to Da your journey, Arh soal”

Karigan nodded

“He’s also written and s Ty says he’s co He’d like you to assist as you can”

Karigan resisted the i journey for Fergal, she hadn’t expected to play the role of instructor She reminded herself that er service without an education of any kind If they were to bear the king’s es, they needed to learn courtly etiquette; to read, write, and figure; and to ride and fight It was a lot to learn all at once, and Karigan had been fortunate to have good schooling behind her when she had finally answered the call As she thought about it, it occurred to her that she knew nothing of Fergal’s background, not even where he was from She supposed she now had time to find out

“Any questions?” the captain asked