[A/N: This bonus chapter is thanks to Honestreader2092. Thank you so much. Means a lot to me.]
———
Hooves hammered the mountain road.
A puddle burst beneath the leading horse, scattering muddy water across the stones. More hooves followed before the ripples could settle.
Eighteen riders swept around the bend.
They climbed the narrow road at a gallop, passing between a steep rock face and a slope scattered with dark pines. Loose stones skittered beneath their mounts, but no rider broke formation.
When the road narrowed, they drew into pairs. When it widened, they spread enough to watch both sides without leaving gaps between them.
White armour covered the sixteen men riding behind the two leaders. Gold edged their breastplates, shoulders, and helmets. A cross rested over each man's chest, with a smaller one worked into the brow of his helmet.
Mud stained their boots and lower armour. None looked down to examine it.
Their horses wore matching protection.
