Ughtred glanced round. They were surrounded by a considerable crowd.
“You have something important to say to me, Brand?”
“Yes.”
Ughtred motioned to an orderly.
“Procure a fresh horse for Mr. Brand,” he said. “You will ride back to camp with me, Brand. We shall be away from this rabble then.”
It was not until they were absolutely alone that Brand spoke.
“Your Majesty,” he said, “Nicholas of Reist is a traitor.”
The King turned in his saddle.
“I cannot believe that, my friend,” he said. “Reist has quarrelled with me personally, and has resigned his command in the army. But that does not make him a traitor.”
“Perhaps not,” Brand answered, drily, “but association with Domiloff does.”