"Are you sure you would not rather take them there yourself?"
Gripping the reins, Riftan turned to look at Gabel, his eyes grim. "There is something I must do."
A grave expression crossed the knight's face. He opened his mouth as if to argue but forced an awkward smile when he sensed Novan's gaze on them.
"Rest assured, I will explain the situation and safely escort them to the viscount's estate. I am certain Lord Triton will look after them."
"Then… I leave them in your care."
With a nod, Gabel strode over to Novan and his family. Riftan took in his stepfather's haggard face one last time and made his way to the barracks. The knights briefed him on everything that had happened during his absence, after which he wrote a letter to Lord Triton. He then gathered the knights and disclosed the events at Croyso Castle.
The knights took the news calmly as if they had been expecting as much ever since the news of Novan's imprisonment.
"What do you plan to do now?"