They lapsed into silence then as they rode towards the keep. Occasionally Prince Fiere gave orders to his companion and it became clear to Shay that his companions were guards for his protection. Judging by their casual demeanor they often rode together and the formalities between royal and commoner were mostly dispensed with here away from the keep.

They entered the keep a short while later. Few people were around at this early hour but those that were stopped as they recognized the prince and watched him pass by with his guard and two strangers. Rumors would spread quickly. Prince Fiere shook his head. He was not particularly keen on...