"Consider it a poor repayment for your spell."
He nodded and waited for her to take a step or two before he walked on.
She left the stables with him, feeling more herself with every step. She even managed to cross the courtyard. Hearn was standing on the steps leading into his great hall, looking at her as if he'd seen a ghost.
"I wouldn't believe it if I weren't seeing it for myself," he said. He looked at Miach. "Very well done, indeed."
Miach shrugged depreciatingly.
"Will you have breakfast," Hearn asked, "or saddlebags packed with something for the journey?"
Miach looked briefly at Morgan, then made Hearn a low bow. "Perhaps we should be on our way before too much of the day passes and Morgan's leg begins to pain her further."
"As you will," Hearn said. He frowned briefly. "Make certain your companions are conscientious and careful with their steeds. I'll know it otherwise."
"I will warn them," Miach said.
"As will I," Morgan added, patting her sword pointedly only to realize she wasn't carrying her sword. It was up in the hayloft.
Truly, it had been a trying month.
"Are you ready to ride?" Hearn asked her.
A wave of unease swept over her. "I would prefer to stay for a lesson or two," she said finally, but I have not the time.
Hearn shrugged "I imagine you won't be comfortable, but I'll have a quiet word with your mount. He'll do what he can for you. "
"I wish I had time to learn his language."
"Come again, when you can, and I'll teach you," Hearn offered. "For now, take the horses, treat them well, and be about your business. My stable doors are always open to you." He patted her on the shoulder and started past her. "I'll go prepare your horses."
Morgan watched him walk away before she looked at Miach.
"A generous offer."
"An historic offer," Miach said faintly. "You know, I've never heard of any lord of Angesand offering to teach any who weren't close kin the horse speech."
"He liked your water."
"He liked your swordplay."
Morgan nodded absently. "I should go back for my gear."
"Wait here and I'll fetch it for you."
Morgan couldn't deny that she was grateful for that. She paced gingerly in front of the hall until Miach returned. He was relieved of their things by Hearn's lads, who them packed them in fine saddlebags.
Hearn brought forth their horses and had a final word with each, particularly her horse, then he stood back and waited for her. Morgan wasn't one for long good-byes. Fortunately, it seemed that Hearn wasn't either. He boosted her up into the saddle, handed her the reins, and patted her booted foot.
"Ride well," he said simply.
She nodded her thanks. Words seemed quite inadequate.
Hearn looked at Miach as he swung up into the saddle. "I'll hold you accountable for any mistreatment of these beasts by any in your party. Best keep a close eye on them."
" I will, my lord," Miach said gravely.
Hearn grunted. "I'll expect you back here at some point, I imagine, the both of you. Perhaps,Buck, you'll consider working on my other well."
