Chapter Ten

Randey slapped his horse’s neck affectionately. He had finished unsaddling the fine mare as he and his companions prepared their camp for the night. Flyta was one of the Grenyaar’s finest horses, and Randey was honored to have been given the privilege of riding her. She snorted happily as he patted her, then he stepped over to join the others at their small fire.

It seemed odd somehow to be without Master Kolton’s company. The Blade Master was needed at the Hall, however, and having been Knighted Randey was deemed competent to lead the small envoy group to contact the Dwarves. The responsibility weighed upon him, but only in that he did not wish to disappoint the Master or the First Commander. Nor himself, for that matter; he felt a desire to prove himself, and continue to uphold the honor of the Edal line.

With a quiet whuff he sat on the log they had dragged over beside their fire. Kale was already seated and gnawing on a piece of jerky, as Owin finished with his own mount and jo