I HAD TRAVELED in the forest for two days, riding during light until my back ached, then, once it was dark, curling up in the brush, my mind racing as I drifted off to a troubled sleep. I dwelled on many things. The friends I had left behind. Emilie's safety. What I would do when I got to Bord, still two days' ride away.

I had just finished a few bites of bread and cheese that morning and was preparing to go on my way when I became aware of the slow advance of a rider approaching from behind.

I ducked behind a tree and took out my knife.

Gradually a single rider clip-clopped into view. A churchman, a friar, perhaps, covered in his burlap hood, riding by himself through dangerous woods.

I relaxed and stepped out from my cover. You must be either foolishly brave to chance these woods alone, Father, I called to the advancing shape, or just as foolishly drunk.

The churchman stopped. That's an unusual warning, he replied from under his hood, coming from a man in a patchwork skirt.

To my shock, the voice was familiar!

He lifted his hood, and I saw it was Father Leo, with a smile the width of his face. What are you doing here? I exclaimed.

I thought a man on a mission like yours might need his soul tended to. He sighed, struggling to get off his mount. I hope you don't mind.

Mind? I'm delighted to have the company, old friend.

I knew it was a risk, the priest said, brushing dust off his robe. Truth is, it's taken me so long to find a true sign from God, I couldn't bear being separated from the lance.

I laughed and helped him brush off the road dirt. You look tired, Father. Drink.

I handed Father Leo my calfskin and he tilted it back. We will make quite an army when we get to Bord. I smiled. The fool and the priest.

Yes, the priest said and wiped his mouth, very imposing. I knew we would frighten no one, so I hope you don't mind that I asked along a friend.

A friend... ?

From down the road, the hoofbeats of another rider could be heard, and as he came close, I blinked twice and realized it was Alphonse. The lad trotted up to me dressed for battle. He flashed me his shy, awkward smile.

You two are crazy, I said.

Dressed as you are, marching to attack the castle at Bord alone, and you call us crazy? muttered Father Leo.

Well, now we are three fools. I grinned, my heart warmed.

No. Alphonse sniffed and shook his head. No, we are not.

Got anything good to eat? another voice called from............