|
"Garmund! Let's go!" Cnebba shouted and pulled his friend's arm. "Let's catch them!"
Garmund appeared a little hesitant and eyed around.
"Come! Let's ride Snowstreak, she's a good horse!"
Finally, the older boy agreed, and the boys dashed off to the stables.
Modtryth, momentarily forgotten by the kids, watched them run away without saying anything. She could have refused the horse (it could be dangerous for two wild and unexperienced riders to ride in the dark, or Stigend might have wanted to have the family horse), or at least rebuked Cnebba for not asking before taking the horse, but she was so happy she didn't mind such small things.
Eodwine and Saeryn's tale had reached a happy end, and now they were galloping towards their dream. Surrounded by happy and enthusiastic folk, Modtryth could hardly have been sad even if she hadn't cared about the fates of the two so much. Stigend and Garstan were standing only a dozen feet away and answering Léothern's inquiries about their weddings and weddings in general. Her enthusiasm amused Modtryth, especially as the girl was still sitting on her dad's shoulders like she had been for all the ceremony in order to see better.
There was a familiar neigh. Modtryth turned and saw Cnebba and Garmund leading Snowstreak out of the stables. Her heart was filled with pride when she saw how carefully and calmly her son handled the old mare, and how gentle he was depsite his own great excitement. She watched the boys mount and gallop away. Even when they could no longer be seen because of the dark, she could hear their shouts of joy. Modtryth found herself smiling at the enthusiasm of the two little boys. She closed her eyes for just a minute and enjoyed the enthusiasm actually shared by all the folk of the hall surrounding her.
|