“You are in a position to aid our cause, Cynn,” Ealdorman Ricsige threw back his shoulders and raised his chin, “you can rely on our support in the Council. Egbert will not suspect your request for the purchase of more war steeds. I’ll see you get the funds you need. You will take delivery of the animals from Frankia and train my men in a secluded place.” He gave a half-shrug and a secretive grin, “When the time comes, we will have a force that can move so fast as to bewilder our opponents, striking whenever and wherever we like, to overthrow the nithing. Reports from the countryside are not comforting, my friend; people are dying of starvation, worn down by the ever-increasing burden of taxes. If they cannot pay, their animals are seized.” He scowled and I saw the anger and hardness in hi
