The messenger told Abner what he needed to hear.

Abner was shocked, confused, but not surprised.

Commotion was outside.

The messenger quickly ran out and disappeared as soon as he came.

Abner ran out of his tent.

Beniah jumped off his horse, breathless.

"Giants. Philistines."

"Where?" Abner yelled.

"South," Beniah said, as someone brought him an animal skin filled with water.

"How many?"

"One."

"There is rarely one," Abner whispered. "They run in packs. For protection."

"There was only one, Abner."

Abner did not doubt his young friend.

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"They know weakness. A divided kingdom. I'd do the same thing. Were you followed?"

Beniah shook his head.

"Send a patrol. None who are going to Swordfall. Keep them at bay."

"Do you want me to go?"

"I said none who are going to Swordfall."

Beniah's eyes widened.

"I'm going too," Abner said, putting his hand on his young friend's shoulder.

Joab mounted his horse. Adjusted his light armor underneath his trench and hood.

No need for much.

Strange processional music was played. Prayers were chanted. Voices sang a funeral hymn.

Joab looked back to see 12 on horseback, all in a row, including his brothers.

He nodded for all to slowly follow him.

The other knights and families and women and children all lined the small spaces in the strange barracks and fortress.

A HOLY MAN spoke a prayer over them, his hand upward.

All had solemn faces

Larkin came forward, looking her best. Asahel looked at her and winked.

She smiled. The 13 move forward. 12 to fight. 1 to tell the tale.

They came to the outside of the fortress and they started to gallop.