Page 94 of Bearing Secrets

“Bring the guards up to strength as fast as you can pull people in from our outposts,” she said, staring straight ahead. “We’re going to need them ready. In fact, I hereby authorize you to double the size. Train new recruits, find volunteers. Whatever it takes.”

“Double the size, my Queen? No House has had that many men-at-arms in centuries. We’re at peace now.”

“Double it, Kirell. I suspect in time we may be tripling it.” She gazed at him. “Something is coming, and I fear a traitor in our ranks isn’t the worst of our worries.”

“How long do we have?”

“I don’t know, Captain. All I feel is change in the winds, a swirling of shadows. It may be that I’m seeing things that aren’t there. I hope it is so.”

Kirell doubted it. His Queen was right. He could feel it in his bones. The times were changing.

THE END