The sky remained clear by morning. The sun glowing brightly as it climbed over the horizon. Horses and pack-mules were led out of the barracks stables to be groomed and loaded while their riders donned freshly sharpened weapons and gleaming armour. Erasmus made one last sad farewell to Rollo and, buckling on his sword-belt from which hung his ancient blade, found Myra waiting for him by the stables. She was adjusting the saddle on Erasmus’ spare horse which he was lending to her.

“You sure you know how to ride one of these, Myra?” asked the Paladin.

Myra turned and smiled mischievously. “I know a thing or two about riding,” she said. “Not a mighty charger. But she’s a fine steed, even I can tell that much.”

“Aye. A pretty beast too. You’ll look very fine for the crowds when we ride out.”

Myra blushed a little and brushed away a stray lock of hair from her face.

“You still certain you wish to come?” continued Erasmus. “You’re still not beholden to any oaths.”

Myra nodded her head solemnly. “More certain than ever.”

“Then so be it. I hope that you do not find yourself in combat, but still, its more than likely. I’m sure you can handle yourself with a dagger and a bow. But still, a questing hero ought to have a sword.” With that, Erasmus brought out his own sword with its scabbard and belt, the one he had replaced with the ancient blade.

Myra had never really used a sword before, but when she took it into her own hands the weight of it made her feel reassured and confident. She partly drew the blade from the scabbard and marvelled at it.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s a long journey ahead. I’m sure there will be time enough for a few lessons on the way.”

“Any tips for a beginner?”

“Yes. Keep it clean. And remember what you are fighting for.”

Myra buckled on the sword-belt. Joren, one of the Thanes who had volunteered for the quest left the others and approached the two.

“Everything is packed Erasmus,” said Joren. “The boys are antsy to get a move on.” The red-haired man stopped and gave Myra a curious look, obviously remembering her and Pike’s comments from the other day. Myra looked away and pretended to be busy with an already well adjusted saddle.

“Good to hear it Joren. And what of Lady Erda and the Rangers?”

“At the palace. The lady is just saying a few goodbyes in the meantime.”

“Then we should get a move on. Come on lads! Mount up! And no slouching! We’re a royal escort now. Mount up!”

And with that, Erasmus, Myra and the Thanes were all mounted riding single file to the palace. People were already lining the streets and peering out of windows to take a look. Myra felt giddy already, she didn’t know whether to feel silly or proud, riding amongst a band of warriors, herself garbed with sword and a shirt of bright mail. The party waited outside the palace. Until the nobles poured out, tearfully waving goodbye their kinswoman Erda, leading along her white mare by the reigns and followed by her Rangers.

Erasmus’ party all dismounted and knelt before Erda, who went to each one of them to take their hands and utter her gratitude. Myra could hardly look up at the lady when she came to her. But when she did, she thought that Erda looked somewhat sad, but happy, all at once. Myra could only guess at what the Lady must be feeling about the whole thing. Before long, King Magnus came forward and stood before the kneeling warriors to give a speech.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Arise, brave men or the Mark,” (he hadn’t noticed Myra by then). “Kneel not before me. For by your oaths, you all have proven yourselves to be warriors of exceeding valour and honour. For all of you, who were bound by no oath or debts, now ride forth to answer a call which I cannot. In this, you have all fulfilled your duties to your land and to your king to their fullest extant. Of all previous oaths, you are freed. Let it be known that all that from now on, you are all the Company of the Ranger Queen, and shall be counted amongst our land’s greatest heroes. And so I fare thee well, and pray that I shall see you all again in happier days.”

There was an applause from the watching crowds. Bran and Conn, the two young Rangers, walked up to Erasmus and gave him eager handshakes.

“Well look at that,” said Kregan the bearded giant. “We’re heroes now. Doesn’t that tickle the ego now.”

“Now we just have to go out and earn it,” said Scale the archer. “Won’t get to enjoy hero status very much if we don’t get out of this alive.”

“Well if you do die, make sure it’s spectacular,” said Joren. “You’ll get your own songs then. I’d rather be remembered for more than just sharing a sad fate with you sorry lot.”

The Thanes laughed and jostled each other. Bran and Conn looked at the assembled company with excited smiles. Encouraged by the presence of Erasmus and the tall Thane warriors.

“No matter what,” said Conn, “We’ll make those Berserk bastards a bloody nose they won’t ever forget.”

“Aye,” said Erasmus. “I couldn’t have asked for a better company of fighting men. But still, if we really want to tip the scales, we shall need help from rather… unexpected places.”

“What do you mean?” asked Conn.

“Hold on, what is…” Bran trailed off as he stared at a section of the watching crowd, who all parted to led through a cloaked and hooded rider upon a shaggy horse. When Pike was through the crowd, he dismounted and glance about with his pale eyes. Erda noticed Pike and walked towards him, a nervous Ruadh following. Erda stopped before the head-hunter and Pike, quite slowly and awkwardly, knelt before the queen.

Myra watched in stunned horror. Her mouth opening and closing, though no words could come from her mouth. The others too, had noticed the strange sight.

“By the Dark Lord’s balls, don’t tell me…” muttered Conn.

“It seems this quest is going to be more interesting than we thought,” said Erasmus, who didn’t really seem that surprised.

Pike arose, while Erda gave him a little nod and walked away. Pike led his horse to the rear of the column, staunchly refusing to noticed the countless curious stares aimed at him. Erda took a position at the head of the column and, before anyone could ask any questions, mounted her mare and gave her uncle and her cousins a wave of her hand. The Rangers and the Thanes quickly mounted up, and all where soon riding through the city streets and towards western gate. More crowds waited for them, great cheers went up, horns sounded. Flowers were thrown onto the cobbled road, and tears were shed. Myra could hardly notice any of it, continuously glancing behind at the dark rider to their rear, keeping his distance. No cheers and farewells were aimed at him.

Erasmus smiled broadly as he waved at the crowds, sitting tall and straight in his saddle, looking all the world like he had leapt from the pages of a book of legends. When they had cleared the gates, crowds still waited for them, but the noise of them was less deafening. Myra leaned in close to Erasmus.

“The head-hunter… who could he… why…”

Erasmus looked downed at her sadly. “I’m sorry about how this must make you feel. But Erda needs warriors. And Pike might very well be the finest warrior I have ever laid eyes upon.”

“But I don’t understand. There’s no money in this. Why would he, of all people… did the Ranger-queen enchant him with some kind of spell?”

Erasmus chuckled. “Maybe. Though I’m sure it’s the kind of enchantment that requires no magic leaves.”

“Magic leaves? What?”

“I’ll explain later.”

And so, Erda’s company left behind the city and rode westwards. Erasmus drew his ancient blade and held it aloft, sunlight flashing from its silvery steel.

“For the Mark! For the Rangers! For love and life! Hurrah!”

“Hurraaaah!” the Thanes cried out. The whole company felt ready for the dangers ahead. How could they not, they thought, with Erasmus at the lead.

Not Pike, riding behind at a distance. His eyes never left Erda’s white cloak as she rode ahead.