The Burning Bridge

Will and his companions do not find any answers in the village. The next morning, their journey takes them near some mines and forges, which are uncharacteristically silent. Gilan decides to approach the next township on his own to remain inconspicuous, and he tells Will and Horace to set up camp in the forest. The two boys grow bored and decide to practice their swordsmanship together. Engrossed in their fighting, they do not hear two armed brigands approach their camp until the men threaten them.

Halt and Alyss are traveling to Cobram Castle to negotiate with Sir Montague, a Knight who refuses to supply some of his men to the war effort. This is to be Alyss’s first assignment as an apprentice diplomat. Despite his efforts to remain stoic, Halt is charmed by Alyss’s friendliness and wit, and she quickly ropes him into a conversation. They talk about Will, whom Alyss kissed at the end of The Ruins of Gorlan, and Halt praises his apprentice.

Will is too far from his bow and arrows to reach them, but Horace pushes him out of the way and grabs his sword.