"Will he?" shewhispered. "Even if we reach the herd in time to save him, we might notfind a nursing cow who will accept him."
"Then I'll ride up to theCinnidar village and bring back some goats for milking."
In spite of her concern, shehad to chuckle at the unlikely thought of Ruel as shepherd. "It would takean entire herd to feed him."
"Then I'll bring aherd."
Her laughter faded as she methis gaze. She had no doubt he would do it. His patience and determination incaring for Caleb had been a great comfort to her in the past two days."You may have to."
"Will you please ceaseyour chatter?" Li Sung asked. "It is enough that Danor has burdenedus with his offspring, you do not have to talk about him all night."
"Do you like it?"Margaret's eager gaze searched Ian's face. "I couldn't manage theGlenclaren coat of arms, so I just settled for your initials and a stalk ofheather."
"It's very fine."Ian gently touched the gold seal with his index finger. "And just what Iwanted. A coat of arms would have been much too grand for me."
"Nothing's too grand foryou." She sat down on the stool beside his chair. "Are you not thelaird? I had to do it twice. I ruined the first one. Naturally, that heathenKartauk didn't have the courtesy to tell me I was erring and made me do theentire process over. He said you always learn better from your mistakes."
"That sounds likeKartauk. He always believes in drinking deep of every experience regardless oflater regrets."
"Not everyexperience."
A note in Margaret's voice causedIan to lift his gaze to her face and found to his surprise that a flush hadrisen to her cheeks.
"I mean, he's not asheedless as you might think," she said quickly.
"No?"
"His work—" Shestopped and then rushed on. "He's very careful... " She jumped to herfeet. "It's time for your supper. I'll go tell Tamar."
"I'm not hungryyet."
"You will be. You musteat."
"Margaret."
She stopped at the door, herspine rigid. "Yes."
"Ask Kartauk to join usfor supper."
She did not turn around."Why?"
Fear. She was afraid. HisMargaret, who feared nothing and no one, was afraid.
"I need to sharpen mychess game, and he has not supped with us for a long time. I miss hiscompany."
He could see the muscles ofher back ease. "He's been busy."
"He can spare oneevening." He kept his voice carefully light. "I wish to thank him forhelping you fashion my fine seal."
"I will tell him but Icannot promise he will come."
"Shall I write him anote?"
"No!" She turned toface him. "You really wish to see him?"
"One always wishes to seea good friend," he said quietly. "And it's been too long,Margaret."
"Very well, I'll see thathe joins us." She turned on her heel and left the chamber.
