His jaw clenched and brow turned to a frown.

"So I was saying, this arrangement made by Dolin looks sound but what if we run into Imperial troops? There is bound to be some form of security right? Artinopolis is a city after all."

Wilbur tried to catch on with what the Priest was talking," Certainly. We have time to figure out how to get in. It will be about two weeks till we get there at this rate And I will send in scouts to check their security or whatever they might have when we are closer. We will wait observe and act accordingly. Worry not O Priest."

The Priest sensed Wilbur's discomfort, "You might be thinking I have no faith in The White God worrying over petty matters, but that is not true. I hold a belief that though God is with us, at the same time he asks us to be cautious, to be prepared and wants us to face obstacles with our own strength. For all our strength comes from him."

"I cannot agree more, Priest." After a short pause Wilbur said," I was astonished that Dolin owns a whole inn inside Artinopolis. That will provide sufficient shelter for us and for no cost."

"Let me tell you Sir, Dolin, the lazy merchant," the Priest tapped his knee," Is a man of means. His business boomed after the appearance of The White God. And that was no coincidence. That man has a nose, tailor made for business. I reckon he has a lot of property and possessions we are yet to learn about."

Wilbur nodded," Not only Dolin, many others have expanded. Andlenore will soon become a city from the little town it now is. New residents come there every day."

Saying so Wilbur turned to look at the group of people now approaching the clearing.

"The archers have returned it seems," the Priest stated the obvious.

The one who was walking ahead of the rest, stopped here and there to correct mistakes made by those training. It took quite a while before he reached Wilbur," Wilbur Glidron, train these kids well. And you will learn more than you expect."

"Carter Hill, what say the archers?"

"Well what can I say? Ben shows a heck lot of promise. I tell you.." a smile crossed Carter's face as he started.

"Ben?"

"That guy with reddish brown hair. Isn't that what he is called?"

"His name is Ken!" corrected Wilbur, nodding disapprovingly."How did an unobservant fellow like you ever become an archer?"

Carter Hill laughed," On the contrary, it's because you fill your head with useless information that you couldn't become an archer."

The three men laughed at the jape.

"So when will you start teaching them unarmored combat?" asked Wilbur.

"Let them get the hang of the weapons they hold first! Maybe as the week ends, I will reach them the basics?"said Carter Hill.

A voice called from behind, "Sir, Violet is defiling your kill."

Carter's eyes flared up.

"Ain't no brat touches my price!" shouting Carter Hill, as he ran towards the source of the voice as if Rhugh's men were behind him again.

Priest Bill laughed aloud, "They will be alright."

****

"Armours are slow and heavy," said Wilbur tapping the chest plate of his white armour. "But their importance can hardly be exaggerated."

He looked around once to ensure everyone in The White Capes had his full attention. "However, before one learns to fight in armour, one must learn how to fight without one.

"Sir Carter Hill, has participated in two battles, both times he survived without any armour. In fact, he is of the opinion armour slows him down too much to do any good," Wilbur looked at Carter. "He will be instructing you henceforth, in the art of unarmored combat."

Sir Carter Hill came forward at Wilbur's call. He started," Armour may slow you down, but combat without armour is more complex. It required agility, speed and good reflexes, while it may not be useful against arrows at all. Thereby armoured knights constitute the first line of defence..."

Wilbur backed away as Carter continued instructing.

Carter Hill. Now that is one interesting fellow.

He rarely spoke of his past, except the fact that he was a Commander at the town of Wheatbridge and participated in two battles before that. He showed up in the town of Andlenore just after a week of the appearance of The White God. When Wilbur rose his Gladinstone blade, he was among to first to cheer in the crowd.

Now that was definitely a man who was torn among false loyalties. The White God illuminated his path.

No wonder he rose to Wilbur's call. It took only little to figure out what his past was. Wheatbridge was a well known town after all. Known for the frequent raids from a shadow thief guild. Wilbur reasoned that town would be enough to tear a righteous man who was set to guard it, to shreds. It was bare proof of how much the King cared about his people.

As soon as he heard about the White God, he must have set out to reach Andlenore. He was right in doing so.

Wilbur recalled how Carter Hill had been great help to fight off Rhugh and his hundred. The plan to lure the men in the woods was almost entirely his.

The rest of the morning passed as Carter continued his instruction. Wilbur was astonished to note how he himself had forgotten some aspects of combat without armour.

In the afternoon they moved out on the road to Artinopolis soon after lunch. A cart rode with them to furnish them with supplies and act as a mobile armoury. Their progress was slow but sure.

Come even, the priest gave his promised sermon. Wilbur was distracted by the sky that had started turning shades of crimson. Wilbur had seen the colours many times, but not once had they failed to astonish him. The mild reddish hues that merged with blue and yellow to form million other shades. It turned dark very fast. The shadows of the trees around them intensified the effect. They resumed their journey as the sermon came to the days conclusion.

Moments later the sky had turned to dark shades of blue which finally threatened to turn pitch black. He could already hear crickets chirping, as half the forest went to sleep and the other half arose. The boys were chattering as always. Carter Hill joking along with them.

Now that's the teacher everybody wants.

Through other noises coming through the night, Wilbur heard a noise that was out of place. Many noises.

He raised his right hand. The White Capes stopped and instantly turned dead silent. Everyone heard the noises now. The faint rustling all around them, an occasional clip clop with no horse in sight. A slight clang of metal there.