Dark Sister

Ser Meryln bowed deeply, his heavy iron gauntlet slamming against his chest plate.

"By your will, Lord Viscount!" Turning on his heel, he barked orders at his formation.

"2nd Division, draw your weapons! Secure the left flank and drive the beasts inward! Move out!"

With a synchronized march of boots and the sharp clatter of spears, Ser Meryln's fifty soldiers, three Sword Runners, and five Sword Apprentices plunged into the black underbrush, moving swiftly toward the southern hunting grounds.

Craig watched their departure with a faint, satisfied smile.

Standing just behind Dark Sister's massive, resting form were the two armored war stallions of Ser Gunther and Ser Hughway.

The high-ranking officers sat erect in their saddles, their reins held taut, patiently awaiting their lord's final deployment.

Craig turned his head, his dark golden eyes locking onto the two Rankers.