Chapter 71

Maxi squinted down at the stark garden. The snowfall had been intermittent the past couple of days, and the frozen layer of snow that dusted the flowerbeds sparkled like diamonds. Dry tree branches shook forlornly in the wind.

She hurried past the bleak landscape alongside Ruth. Once they were beyond the gate that bordered the garden, they heard the sharp clang of swords, clopping hooves, and bellowing voices.

"It seems we will have to wait a while, my lady," Ruth muttered, clicking his tongue as he stood at the entrance of the knights' training grounds.

Maxi peered out from behind Ruth's lanky frame.

The training grounds were reminiscent of a stadium. Hundreds of knights on horseback faced each other in eight long rows. They were all in full armor and each held a lance taller than the average man.

The palpable tension made Maxi hold her breath. The knight at the center raised a red flag; the others bellowed and charged forward.