The few warriors in the Hall ran outside, and after a while I could make out some of the shouting in the courtyard, even through the sudden pounding in my ears. “Lord Tahar returns!” Fear locked my muscles in place until I realized I had nothing to worry about Lord Tahar’s feast. I was no longer considered a maiden.Warrior Hall had large windows with wooden shutters, unlike the small holes high up the wall at Maiden Hall and Pleasure Hall. I rushed to an open window so I could see the servants in the courtyard, running back and forth between the kitchen and the Great Hall as they prepared for the feast. Tahar had not sent a runner. He was arriving in a rush, wholly unexpected.His arrival turned out not to be the only one nor the biggest surprise of the day. Soon the horn sounded for the second time. Unfamiliar warriors marched into the courtyard. Their long swords hung from wide leather belts elaborately decorated with gold.The Palace Guard.Had Lord Gilrem returned for vengeance?
