John tossed and turned that night. How could he leave Sharon without seeing her? Mother Superior had been adamant that he must go before dawn to avoid drawing attention to these local roads.

He hardly slept but was ready to move and met with Sir Raphael. It had only been about three months since that fateful night, but the young Paladin commanded a small troop of Knights Templars. He looked older and more serious. His stoic face was hard to read as he explained their strict itinerary and schedule.

They were to ride swiftly without stopping to join a trade caravan traveling to the Holy See and eventually back to...