I KNEW SUCH A SOUND was a call of warning.

My mind jolted back to reality. I frantically rose to my knees and looked down toward the village. I saw no riders. No sign of panic yet. We were not under attack.

But a crowd was forming in the square. Something had happened.

Come. I pulled Emilie up. We have to get back.

We ran down the hill as fast as we could. As soon as I came within earshot of town I heard my name shouted.

Georges ran up to me. Hugh, they're coming. Men from Bor俥 are on the way.

I looked at Emilie, then back at Georges. How do you know this?

Someone is here to warn us. Come, quick, in the church. He looks for you.

Georges ran with me into the main square. The town had assembled there, and voices rang out, panicked and afraid.

I pushed through the crowd around the church and came upon a young man resting on the steps. No more than sixteen, panting, clearly out of breath. When he saw me, he stood up and eyed me.

You are Hugh, the boy said. I can tell by your red hair.

I am, I answered. He looked vaguely familiar. You come from Bor俥?

Yes. The boy nodded. I have run the whole way. I am sent by your friend Norbert, the jester.

Norbert sent you? I went up to him and stood close. What news do you bring?

He said to tell you they are coming. For everyone to prepare.

I must try and go back, Emilie said, clutching my arm. I must tell them it's a mistake.

You cannot. The boy shook his head, alarmed. Norbert said youmust not return. That Stephen knows you are here. You were foll............