That evening, after Bredin had returned home and the monks had finished their supper, Chase Tanner stopped by the Temple to visit.
"I do not understand it, Toma, but I think I have seen a miracle." At Toma's raised eyebrows, the horsemaster went on. "Kensie and Blood are doing fantastically well together. You would think Kensie had ridden that horse for a dozen years, the way they move together.
"The two of them seem to adore one another. Kensie has even taken over the grooming of the horse. He spends candlemarks brushing every speck of dust off it and sweet-talks it constantly.
"The boy sits the horse perfectly and it responds to his every aid without the slightest resistance. When I praised Kensie for his improved riding, he looked at me and said 'Blood likes it that way'.
"Blood is just as smitten with his rider. He stands in the corner of his paddock watching for Kensie when the boy is due for his daily lesson. When he hears Kensie's footsteps, he bellows loudly. When the boy goes away, he hangs his head and looks miserable.
"I have never seen anything like it." The horsemaster shook his head in wonder.
"I thought horses and riders often became attached to one another." Father Toma said.
"Oh, that happens. Not as often as in fiction, but it happens," Chase said, "On the rare occasions when it does, not in less than a sennight. It usually takes years. Even then, I don't think I've ever seen a pair become so attached as Kensie and that horse."
"Well, I guess you won't be looking for a new position, then." Toma teased his friend.
"No." Chase agreed. "But the Count has made a point of saying I was needlessly worried.'
"Were your fears groundless?" Toms asked.
"No, they weren't." Chase looked grim. "Kensie got on his old palfrey – we had to get out of sight of Blood, by the way, the stallion screamed bloody murder when he saw Kensie on the other horse and nearly kicked the fence down.
"Kensie got on the horse and all his impatience and foul temper came out again. He got angry at every mistake. The only thing I will say is that his seat and aids have suddenly improved, as if the new stud has taught him better technical skills, but his attitude hasn't changed.
"It is strange how Kensie is suddenly so perfect on the new horse, but his old bad habits are still there, waiting to come out when he rides any other."
Chase looked at his friend as though seeking an explanation. "Don't ask me, you're the horseman." was all Toma said "Maybe the gods intended the two for each other."
"Maybe." Chase agreed. "I suppose I should just be grateful that the horse hasn't killed Kensie."
He smiled. "There is another problem, though."
"Oh?" Toma prompted.
"Kensie has become a horse bore. He speaks of almost nothing but that stallion, inflicting endless horse talk on anyone who will listen."
"Not that you were ever like that." Toma said drily.
"No doubt I was guilty of it." Chase admitted. "But it is still fun to watch the Popinjays endure the bragging and preening Kensie does. He still ranks them, so they have to pretend to be as enthused about his horse as he is.
"Mind you, if that horse were mine, I'd be nearly as proud of it as Kensie. If it would behave as well for me, that is."
Toma looked at his friend in surprise. "I thought you could ride just about anything." He said.
"I could ride it." The horsemaster said. "But there would be a long battle for dominance. That horse is a one man horse. Kensie is his man. With anyone else, it is just as nasty as ever. It wouldn't let the grooms near it until Kensie coaxed it into accepting them; now it accepts the grooms and stableboys but makes it plain that they are lesser beings. Kensie is the stallion's god."
The two of them talked a while longer. Toma mentioned a letter that came to him from Father Sanat, Chief Priest of the main temple in Haven and Grandmaster of the Order. There were rumors that Karse was hiring mercenaries for an attack on Valdemar.
Chase, who had met some mercenaries when he had gone to Rethwellan to look at some Shin'a'in horses, dismissed the rumor. "The mercs hate Karse and won't do business with them, not even on a cash up front basis. They've been stiffed by the Sunpriests too often."
As the bell sounded for evening prayer, Chase left his friend, heading back to the manor.
Two sennights after he had met Bredin, Herald Leo was back in Bransat, bearing news that confirmed the rumors that Father Sanat had passed to Father Toma.
Rather than entering Bransat at the usual sedate walk, Leo and Jaracin cantered into the town square. Jaracin was in her full formal tack, her bridle bells ringing as she rushed along. Leo called out "Everyone assemble in the town square" repeatedly as he came down the High Street.
The commotion drew the Reeve out of the town hall. Eouard Dane sent runners to all the other Councillors and to the Temples. Wallis Mittel, who was on his way from his father's manor to Bransat House, spurred his horse and galloped to the Count's residence with the summons.
Instead of dismounting as Heralds usually did, Leo stayed on Jaracin's back while people poured into the street. Leo accepted a cup of ale as he watched the crowd assemble. This was Leo's third stop of the day. He had at least two more before he rested for the night.
As he waited, Leo spotted Bredin in the crowd. He called Bredin forward and talked casually for a few moments, confirming that the boy was doing well. He learned that Bredin would begin training at the Temple after his eighth birthday. Bredin's friends were impressed that a Herald called him over and spoke to him.
When Count Poldara and his family and retinue arrived, Leo told the Count to remain mounted at his side. Other, lesser, nobles were ranged beside the Count. The Reeve, Council and priesthood of Bransat stood on Leo's other side. The full authority of Poldara County was on display.
"People of Valdemar," Leo began his prepared speech, "I bring grave news. The nation of Karse has hired the services of a giant army of mercenaries known as the Tedrels. The Tedrels are merciless and without honor. Their purpose is to destroy Valdemar and take the land as their own.
"We are at war. At war with a nation of mercenaries that will not stop until we or they are destroyed. They are aided by our ancient enemy Karse, who will help the Tedrels to achieve their ends by any means possible.
"The survival of Valdemar is at stake. We will need you, the people of Valdemar, to provide us with soldiers and arms to fight this menace. We will need men and women to join the army. We will need the nobles and commons to unite against the invader. We will need the crops of your fields to feed the army. We will need the trades and craftsmen to arm and supply our soldiers.
"I speak in the name of King Sendar. Prepare yourselves."
Leo nodded at the Count. "Milord Poldara, as vassal of King Sendar, you are commanded to summon your regiments and to make yourself and your fief ready to defend the Realm."
The Count, still stunned by the news, could barely manage. "I hear my King's command and will obey."
Leo turned to the Reeve. "Sir, you and your fellow councillors are called upon to raise such levies, funds and supplies as you are able." Eouard Dane stammered his reply.
Looking at the priests, Leo said "The King commands me to remind you of the Priesthood that the law of Valdemar forbids you to pray for victory in battle. But as your own heart lies, he begs that you will give succor to all who suffer in this calamity." The priests nodded.
Leo turned back to the crowd. "I leave you now to carry this news to others." Jaracin cantered forward. The crowd parted to let them pass.
The crowd watched the Herald leave. As soon as he was out of sight, there was a general uproar.
Count Poldara regained his wits. He spurred his horse, causing it to rear, gaining the crowd's attention. He was glad he had chosen to ride his destrier, which was more impressive than his palfrey.
The Count called for silence, which he got eventually. "We have heard this grave news. Now we must act. For now, return to your homes and shops. Think of what you must do.
"I will meet with my peers and the Reeve and Council. Together we will plan for what is to come. In due time, I and your Reeve will ask for your help. We will come to you when we have worked out what we need. Go forth and be ready!"
The Count reared his horse once more. "For Valdemar!" He shouted, waving his fist in the air.
"For Valdemar!" The crowd roared back.
Kensie, who rode Blood, reared the stallion and shouted "For Valdemar!" with the rest of the audience. Kensie had never been prouder of his father.
For days after the announcement, no one could talk of anything else. However, plans for war take time and the Tedrels had not even come to the southern border yet. Next spring, the war would begin in earnest. For now, most things returned to normal.
Count Poldara returned to his County Seat in Poldara. There, he made plans for his own troops, bringing his regiment up to full enlistment and checking their arms and supplies. Training and drills became daily exercise. Unlike some of his peers, the Count took his duties seriously.
Chase Tanner was sent to find horses for the Count's mounted company and officers He was also charged with finding draft animals to pull supply wagons and heavy field equipment.
The Count's weaponsmaster, Hwyl Fian, was put to work training the newly enlisted, reducing the time Master Fian could spend with the Count's children
With the horsemaster absent and fewer lessons with the weaponsmaster, Kensie had more free time. Bored, the young lord alternated between Bransat and Poldara, losing himself in idle pursuits.
The Reeve and Council reviewed the tax rolls. War was expensive and they needed to be prepared to raise the sums the King would demand.
Father Toma reviewed the register of the Order, deciding who would go south to fight in the spring, who would be seconded to replace the road guards called up to fight and who would remain behind to train the novices, acolytes and amicuses. Father Milo would be called back to manage the Temple while Father Toma went south.