"What do you mean by that?"
"I don't think the Church cares who they're fighting. It's the chance to flex their muscles, don't you see?"
"No," said Athgar, "I don't. Explain it to me."
"This is probably the only place on the Continent where so many Temple Knights are gathered. I think they see it as an opportunity to hone their craft."
"By killing? Isn't that against their beliefs?"
"People can justify anything if they set their minds to it. The Therengians are seen as outsiders. Think back to Runewald. Everyone there hates the idea of the skrollings. It's no different here, except the roles are reversed."
"I suppose that's true."
"It is," said Natalia, "but it's also sad. People fear what they don't understand. You and I have experienced life amongst the Orcs. To us, they are our friends, but to outsiders, they are barbarians. They likely see the Therengians the same way."
"Except that Therengia was once a great kingdom."
"I think that makes them even more fearful. To be honest, I doubt the locals even know it's the Therengians who are out there."
"They must know they're fighting someone," insisted Athgar.
"True, but I doubt they know the full story. Whoever leads this army wants the populace behind him. I imagine they will have painted the enemy as vicious cutthroats, eager to kill and ravage. It's all part of the politics of war."
"You seem to know a lot about such things."
"I do," said Natalia. "It was part of our training. As a court mage, you're expected to be well educated in all the techniques of war."
"Even politics?"
"Especially politics. It's only when such things fail that war becomes inevitable."
Athgar sat on the edge of the bed, thinking things over. "Where should we start?"
"We'll eat first, then wander around the town. I'd like to get used to the layout of the streets. It'll also give us an idea of how many soldiers there are in Ebenstadt."
"What about the Temple Knights?"
"We likely won't see much of them," Natalia said. "They'll have a commandery here somewhere, but I doubt we'll be able to get inside it."
"A commandery?"
"Yes, like the sisters had in Caerhaven."
"That place was large," he said. "Do you think it will be similar here?"
"If anything, I'd say larger. This is a crusade, and that means the Holy Army is involved. There's likely to be lots of Cunar Knights to lead it."
Athgar frowned. "If that's true, then probably a Cunar will be in charge. It seems like everywhere we go, they're causing trouble."
"We don't know that's the case here," soothed Natalia. "Maybe they're simply misinformed?"
Athgar shook his head. "No, they're involved. I can feel it in my bones."
"You're just overwhelmed. What can we do to help you relax?"
"A bath?"
She laughed. "Maybe when we get back from our walk. Now let's go, my love. We have work to do."
The streets of Ebenstadt were a wellspring of information. Athgar noticed many warriors roaming about, but Natalia saw so much more, pointing out the armour and weapons of each and identifying their use on the battlefield. It soon became apparent there were a significant number of soldiers ready to fight.
"Who's paying for all of this?" asked Athgar. "It must cost a fortune."
"I would imagine a lot of them are here at their own expense, seeking to make a name for themselves."
"Is that something people really do?"
"You'd be surprised what people do to seek fame."
"How would someone prove their story when they return home?"
"Many don't," replied Natalia. "There are even some who make up their entire history. It serves them well until a foreign noble shows up and exposes them."
"And their reputation is that important to them?"
"Oh yes, fortune often follows fame. A well-seasoned warrior is a valuable asset. Many poorer knights seek service with a wealthy lord, and experience in battle helps them find such positions."
"And there are few battles," said Athgar, "hence the turnout for this crusade."
"Precisely."
"But these men we have seen, they're not Church soldiers, are they?"
"No," explained Natalia, "they're referred to as auxiliaries. The Church has Temple Knights, of course, but relies on others to supply archers and foot soldiers."
"And the Church commands them?"
"Not directly. A father general will command the army, but all of these auxiliaries fall under junior commanders, probably nobles who have committed to the crusade."
"Like who?" he asked.
"That, we have yet to discover."
Athgar halted quite suddenly, urging her to do the same. A well-dressed man had just turned down a side street, not an unusual occurrence, but in his wake followed two men, both clutching daggers. "That doesn't bode well."
"Come on," said Natalia, "let's see if we can be of assistance."
They turned down the side street quickening their pace. The two men were closing in on their target, who looked a little worse for wear. They came to within five feet, and then the well-dressed man turned, entirely unexpectedly, drawing his sword.
"Hand over your coins," demanded one of the dagger men.
In answer, their target lunged forward, stabbing with his sword. The tip of the blade nicked the fellow's arm, eliciting a cry of pain.
"Get 'im," the bleeding man commanded.
Athgar reacted quickly, pulling his axe, but Natalia was faster, pointing her finger and uttering a slew of words that sent ice shards flying through the air. They struck the second thief in the back, knocking him to the ground, his dagger skidding across the cobblestones.
The swordsman stepped forward, his blade held steady, but his attackers decided they'd had enough. Bleeding from the arm, the first man helped his companion to his feet, and then they fled.
Athgar raised his hands to cast, but the victim waved them off. "Let them go," he said. "They can do no harm now." He moved closer. "I must thank you, friends, though I think I could have handled them on my own. I'm Sir Raynald, and you are?"
"Athgar, and this is my wife, Natalia." The words came out of his mouth before he realized he had used their real names. He looked at Natalia, but all she did was
