A sudden, sharp whistling sound came from the distance.
A Pegasus Knight carved an arc through the sky, landing precisely in the square outside the castle.
The Knight dismounted, dropping to one knee in a single, fluid motion. The Pegasus folded its wings beside him and snorted.
"My Lord!"
Soon, Personal Guard Captain Ed hurried from the inner keep, presenting the Knight's report to Raylo.
"An urgent message. Lady Anna's convoy has crossed the Black Water River and entered the southern part of the territory. They are expected to arrive at Black Stone Castle in three hours."
Lady Anna.
The name gave Raylo a moment's pause.
The Duchess, his stepmother in name, and Lillian's biological mother.
'A woman whose image had been vague in his memory but had recently grown sharp.'
"Understood."
Raylo pulled his thoughts back to the present.
"Ed."
"Here, my Lord."
