The warriors of Clan Alpin were nearby.
'Sons of Alpin.' She rode towards them. 'Morgon is defeated. Now is the time to join our victorious brothers and drive the invaders from our shores.'
The clansmen glanced amongst themselves. Some stepped forward but withdrew as soon as it became clear that their companions were not going to follow. Adrina reined in her horse and turned to their chieftain.
'Alpin son of Alpin. You gave me your word.'
'I gave you nothing, Princess.'
'You gave me your word and I gave you the chance to be leader of the most powerful clan in Gorm.' She pointed to the struggling mass of soldiers that had once been Morgon's invincible army. 'I told you the Holy Mother sent the Sky Warrior to crush our enemies.'
Alpin stared at her scornfully.
'There's a big black bull out there on Baddon Plane. That's something I understand. What I don't understand is the clever schemes of young women who try to win me over with holly berries and fine words.'
He spurred his horse and galloped off, followed by the rest of his clan.
Adrina spurred her horse towards the warriors of Clan Morpeth and tried again. 'I come in the name of King Pius.'
'You come in the name of the Great She Whore.'
Adrina ignored the insult.
'The noble Pius commands you to strike at Morgon.'
'Go back to your mother, Cattish Whore.'
'King Pius commands you to attack the southern invaders whose forces are being destroyed by the Sky Warrior.'
A grizzled warrior stepped forward.
'When that big mother fucker has killed Morgon we'll attack.' He adjusted his sword belt. 'But we won't be going in on his side. We'll go in there to kill the big sod ... then we'll be rid of both giants.'
His shield was emblazoned with the sun god crest. He pointed at Adrina. 'Now, Princess. I think you should leave before it's too late.'
Adrina felt her life force drain away. The Gorms' hatred of her mother's people was as strong as ever. They weren't going to join them in battle. When the moment was right, they'd attack and try to equal old scores.
She reached for the small copper horn that hung about her neck. It was the one she used to summon her guard. But, when she blew it, a different force appeared. Men in black galloped towards her. She saw the serpent crest on their shields and recognised Morgon's assassination squad.
Her only way of escape was in the thick of battle. She turned her horse and plunged into the chaos of slashing swords and flying arrows. With the holly sprig held high, she rode back and forth shouting the many names of the goddess. No one came to her aid. No one tried to kill her. Worst of all ... no one seemed to notice her.