Chapter 1

1

Thickening mist swirled and shifted like a living wraith, softening the jangle of bridles and the even cadence of hooves. Three war horses emerged from the fog and rounded the last bend in the road before clearing the stand of trees that marked the edge of Hannigon Forest. The long feathering on the fetlocks of the steeds brushed the mud created by the previous three days of rain. White lather on the powerfully arched necks matched the foam at the corners of their mouths where tongues worked excitedly against steel bits. All three slowed to a trot as the towers and turrets of Roanoak Castle speared high into the heavy gray mass that blanketed the coast this time of year.

As the three approached the castle, torches were lit and set in brackets of black iron. The stone of the structure had been quarried from the cliffs that lined and protected the east side of the castle. An impressive piece of architecture, the home had been added on to by each generation. Currently, it housed all seven brothers, servants, a few dignitaries from surrounding counties, and representatives of major landholders. Most of the village lay to the north and west of the craggy cliffs. A few shop owners had erected temporary tents on the road leading to the drawbridge, hoping to catch any travelers or traders before they entered the village proper, or the courtyard that was protected behind the massive stone walls.

Dane, Darius, and Zander rode three abreast through the open portal of the enormous gates and had room to spare on either side of their war horses. A call was shouted from the sentry to the courtyard. Stable boys ran from the livery to do their masters’ bidding.

Eyes the color of the mist searched the battlements. Satisfied that the newly trained soldiers had not resorted to laziness in his absence, Dane dismounted. He stroked the sweaty neck of his stallion, then handed the reins to the boy who had aspirations of being his squire.

“Is all well, Sire?” Jonathan, a boy of ten with long legs and arms and a crop of unruly dark hair, inquired after the horse, and hoped for any news from the journey.

“Sure, all is good with Baru here. Cool him out before you put him up. We covered the distance from the last town in a hurry to arrive home before dark.” Dane’s grim expression was all the extra information the boy would receive.

Jonathan nodded and led Baru toward the barn.

“The twins remain at least one more night in the Valley. I think we should eat and sleep, save the planning until their return,” Zander said as he fell into step with Darius and Dane.

“What they return with could add to what we know. I agree. There’s not much to be gained this evening without all the information available to us,” Darius said, then paused to allow his brothers, Zander and then Dane, to enter their home first.

When Zander stopped suddenly, and Dane bumped into his brother’s back, he grumbled and peered around Zander’s shoulder. His words faded as he recognized the figures sitting at the table that took up the center portion of their Great Hall.