The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1907-01-15
S.R:C ROCKETT. AuMor@ MeRuaawol
lcopyright 1898. 1900. by s. R. crOckett)

Kernberg off towards the north. On
this matter Won Orseln thought that
her Highness had better judge for her
self. Here at last was something to
be done. 1t was almost like the old
foraying days, but now in a more des-
perate cause.
No one in all Castle Kernsberg was
to know of the departure of this cav
alcade. The Sparhawk was appointed
to command during Won Orseln's abb
sence. Ten men only were to go, and
these picked and sifted riders-chosen
because of their powers of silence
and because, being unmarried, they
had no wives to worm secrets out of
them.
Joan and her chief captain rode on
ahead, Won Orseln glancing keenly
about him, and Joan riding free and
careless, as in old days when she over
passed the hills to drive a prey from
the lands of her fathers enemies.
1t was grey morning when they
came to a goatherd's hut at the top
of the green valley. Already they
had passed the bounds of Hohenstein
by half a dozen miles. The goatherd
had led his light skipping train to the
hills for the day, and the rude and
chaotic remains of his breakfast were
still on the table. Boris n Jorian
cleared these away, and, with the
trained alacrity of seasoned men at
arms, they placed before the party a
breakfast prepared with speed out of
which they had brought with them
and those things which they had
found to their hand by foraging in the
cottage of the goatherd-to-wit, sliced
meats tongue dried in the smoke,
bread of fine wheat which Jorian had
carried all the way in a net at his sad
die DOW. Boris had charge of the
wine skins, and upon a shelf above
the door they found a great butter pot
full of freshly made curded goats
milk, very delicious both to taste and
smell.
OF these things they ate and drank
largely, Joan and Won Orseln being to-
gether at the upper end of the table.
Boris and Jorian had to sit with them,
though much againht their wills, be-
ing (spite of their sw~eethearts) more
accustomed to the company of honest
men at arms than to the practice of
dainty eating in ladies' society.
Soon Joan of the Sword Hand rose
to her feet, for the ex-men at arms
had few words to say.
Let is now mount and ride home
ward" she said, there are no enemy
to be found on this n~ortherly road.
We shall be more fortunate upon
another occasion"
Then Werner Won orseln nerved
himself for a battle more serious
than any he had ever fought at the
elbow of Henry the Lion of Hohen-
stein.
my lady he said. standing up and
bowling gravely before her, you see
here eleven men who love you far
above their lives, of whom 1 am the
chief. Two others also there are,
who, though not of our nation, are in
heart Joined to us, especially in this
thing that we have done. With all
respect, your Highness cannot go
back. We have come out, not to
make a reconnaissance, but to put
your Grace in a place of safety till the
storm blows over"
Nv OuCliCo a ofOWlJ I1SGn u
her feet, with her hand on the sword
which swung at her belt.
you lave suddenly gone mad, Wer
neri" she said; let us have no more
of this. l bid you mount and ride
Back to Kernsberg, l say! Ye are not
such fools and traitors as to deliver
the maiden Castle, the Eagles Nest OF
Hohenstein, into the hands of our enc
mies?"
Nay" said Won Orseln, looking
steadily upon the ground, that will we
not do. Kernsberg is in good hands
and will fight bravely. But we cannot
hold out with our few folk and scanty
provender against the Lacquer O
thirty thousand. Nevertheless we viii
not permit you to sacrifice yoursel1
for our sakes or for the sake of the
women and children of the city"
Joan drew her sword.
Werner Won Orseln, will you obey
me, or must l Stay you with my
hand?" she cried.
The chief captain yet further bowed
his head and abased his eyes.
1--WE have thought also of this" hi
made answer. ME you may kill, Blu
these that are with me viii defent
themselves, though they will no
strike one they love more than thei
lives. But Ilan by man we hav'
sworn to do this thing. At all hazards
you must abide In our hands till tn,
danger is overpast. For me (this h
added in a deeper tone), l am you
immediate officer. There is non t
come between us. 1t is your right t
Stay me if you will. Mine is the re
sponsibility for this deed, though
the design was not mine. Here is m.
sword. Stay your chief captain witt
it If you will. He has faithful.
served you house for ive-and-thirt
years. IT'S perhaps time he reste'
now
And with ithaca words Warmer w