[Folwren]

Saeryn’s heart was soaring and she felt happy with everyone now. The merry atmosphere that was soaked into the entire populace of the encampment could not compare with the happiness that she felt now. She felt almost carefree again - a state of being that she had not possessed for many weeks.

Nain had arrived that morning. She had been slightly aware of this before she and Degas had gone out, but now she saw him standing in the crowd, but looking rather alone, and she started towards him to greet him. But in the between time of her walking to him, she saw Rowenna just coming from the stables. She lifted her hand to hail her.

“Rowenna! What is going on? Tell me what is happening today and what games there are, and what you are in!”

Rowenna told her the list of games. “And I am riding in the horse race!” she said. Saeryn glanced at her, noticing the slight, uncontainable ring of victory that was in her voice.

“What horse are you riding?” Saeryn asked, for she knew well enough that Rowenna had none.

“Lord Eodwines,” Rowenna answered, and she smiled as she said it.

“Flíthaf!” Saeryn cried, with a laugh. In her mind she pictured Rowenna on top of the huge war beast, the idea was comical. The horse was built for endurance and carrying a heavy, armor clad man into battle, not a race. At the same time, a strange shadow of suspicion fell over her mind. “You must be joking!”