The Bloodbound by Erin Lindsey

study. Raibert arrived first, still buttoning his doublet, and Alix caught a glimpse of the marriage chain at his throat: three gold links signifying man, woman, and child. It was only then she remembered that Raibert had been married almost a decade ago, before losing his wife and infant daughter in childbirth. He’d never remarried, and the fact that he still wore the chain hinted at why. He caught Alix looking, but offered no comment. Instead, he said, “I pray it’s good news, my lady.” Pray it he might, but Alix could tell from his eyes that he didn’t believe it.
    His doubt proved well founded: Arran Green entered the study alone. It was all Alix could do not to sag against the desk in disappointment.
    â€œGreetings, Your Majesty,” the commander general said, bowing.
    Erik sighed. “You didn’t find him.”
    â€œWe did not.” Arran Green’s pale gaze shifted to Alix. “I am sorry, Captain.”
    â€œDid you find anything?” the king asked.
    â€œYes. I am convinced beyond any doubt that a host of Blackswords passed through the marshlands, and the fact that they remain together and in the field suggests that Lord Black is among them.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful news,” Raibert said, mustering a smile for Alix’s benefit. Bless the man, Farika was truly his sign.
    â€œIf you found evidence of their passing, why could you not track them?”
    â€œWe had not time, Your Majesty. As it was, we had to ride well out of our way to avoid the enemy. The host that attacked Blackhold is moving east, burning and pillaging along the way.”
    Alix fought down a wave of nausea. Those were Rig’s people. Her people.
Gods-cursed Oridian swine.
    Erik swore quietly. “Meaning they’re headed straight for the Brownlands. Did you send word, as I asked?”
    â€œWe did, sire,” Raibert said, “but no matter how well prepared they are, the garrison at Brownhold will not be enough.”
    His cousin shook his head. “Not unless Lord Brown withheld more swords than the other Banner Houses, but that is unlikely. At best, they can survive a siege.”
    â€œAnd what of the main host, the army we faced at Boswyck?”
    â€œOur scouts report they’re still holding along the border,” Raibert said, “and they have been reinforced.”
    â€œWhat are they waiting for?”
    Alix wondered the same. With fifty thousand soldiers, they could smash Greenhold and Brownhold both, or at least besiege them into irrelevance.
    â€œIt is hard to say, Your Majesty,” Raibert said. “My guess is they will wait until Brownhold falls, then regroup with the rest and make for the Greylands. The Greys have not yet mustered, so they’ll be stronger than the rest of us.”
    â€œBut not strong enough,” said Arran Green. “The Greyswords number around ten thousand, but that is nothing compared to the host we faced at Boswyck. They will be little more than a nuisance, and once they are defeated, the enemy will be free to attack Erroman itself.”
    â€œTom will never let the Greylands fall,” Erik said with surprising conviction.
    â€œGods willing, Your Majesty,” Arran Green said.
    The king took up his customary pacing, this time without his crutch. “We cannot simply give the Brownlands over without a fight. That would allow the enemy free passage.”
    â€œI agree, Your Majesty,” the commander general said.
    â€œThe force that took Blackhold—how many are they?”
    â€œFrom what we saw, we judged them at five thousand. They appear to have picked up the remnants of the host we defeated here a fortnight ago.”
    â€œVery well. Then we will take five of ours, and keep them busy before they reach the Brownlands. The remaining two are more than enough to defend Greenhold in the event of a siege.”
    â€œAs you command, Your Majesty. I can have the men re-equipped and