One of the duke's grooms appeared to take my horse as I pulled Roan to a stop. "Welcome, Sir Archer," the slight, brown-haired boy said as he took Roan by the halter and held him steady while I dismounted. I couldn't recall the lad's name, but knew he'd cared for Roan before. "Thank you, my young squire," I replied with a friendly smile to cover my lapse in memory, causing the boy to grin. Though his help and good care of Roan was expected by his master, His Grace the Duke of Willow, I handed him a penny anyway. "Take good care of Roan for me." The boy's grin bloomed into a full smile as he took the silver, thumbnail sized coin. "Thank you, Sir Archer! I will! Shall I call for someone to announce you?" I ruffled the boy's hair. We were in a time of peace and the castle's fortifications were lightly manned. The duke would order the lowering of the portcullis tonight, but as it was still early afternoon, and I was know...
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