Listen, Oh, Soldiers

Patrons, and knaves,

To one lass’ tale

‘Gainst wizards and blades.

‘Cross earth and snow

On hooves of flight,

From gulley’s depth

To mountain’s height.

No armor or soldiers

No regiment had she,

But a four-legged friend

Well-shod, and fleet.

The power of their foes

To harm and to scheme,

Knew not the will of maiden

And stout-hearted beast.

Natty Seilfen, a headstrong, adolescent girl of the good kingdom of Rendart, longs to do more than simply train their warhorses at home.  So great is her devotion to their noble steeds, she is committed to filling the role of field-guard, despite her youth, and seeing to the health and well-being of the horses in the theatre of combat, when their cavalry must march off to fight.

Stubborn in the face of doubters, she gains a chance to prove herself.  Astride her own beloved horse, Bello, she rides out with a small patrol, sent to offer routine help to a neighboring kingdom.

Encountering greater hostile forces than expected, separated from her countrymen through circumstances she cannot control, Natty suddenly finds a grave responsibility thrust into her hands.  She and Bello run for their lives, as a powerful arch-mage, who has spent years preparing his own bid for power, vows to slaughter anyone who interferes with his designs.