The Heart of the Rebellion by Sian Ann Bessey

Author:Sian Ann Bessey [Bessey, Sian Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2019-10-31T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Lifting the latch, Catrin pulled open the stable doors and slipped inside. Although the light was dim, it was sufficient to find her way, and she moved swiftly down the aisle that led to Seren’s stall. The familiar smell of horses and straw assailed her, and she realized how much she’d missed her daily visits here.

“Hello there, Seren,” she whispered softly. Her stallion gave a welcoming snort and moved to greet her at the stall’s gate. Catrin rubbed his nose, smiling at his obvious pleasure in the attention. “I believe you may have missed me.”

“Oh, he did that all right, my lady.” As was his wont, Aldwin had appeared out of nowhere. “He’s been quite put out these last couple days.”

“Forgive me, boy.” Catrin stepped into the stall. “We shall go for a long ride very soon.”

Seren nodded his head as though agreeing with her, and Aldwin chuckled. “Cleverest horse I’ve ever known, that one.”

Catrin gave Seren’s neck an affectionate pat and turned to the stablemaster. “How has he been? Did he show any signs of distress after being in that terrible smoke?”

“Not that I noticed, my lady. I kept a close eye on ’im for a good twenty-four hours, and other than a few sneezes to clear his nose at the start, he’s been in good form. He’s been anxious to get out, but given the lingering smoke in the air, it’s not been a bad thing to keep ’im in for a bit.”

Relief brought a smile to her face. “I’m grateful to you, Aldwin.”

“Not at all, my lady. And if I may say so, ’tis right good to see you lookin’ more like yerself.”

“I thank you. My recovery took a little longer than Seren’s, but I am grateful to be out of my sickbed.”

Aldwin nodded, then cleared his throat awkwardly. “The Duke of Bedford came in inquirin’ after Seren again, the day afore yesterday.”

On Seren’s neck, Catrin’s hand instantly stilled. That had been the day after the fire. “What did he wish to know?”

“Whether the horse had been much affected by the ash and smoke.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“That it remained to be seen, and that Seren was in isolation, with no visitors permitted.”

“And did that satisfy him?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say ‘satisfied’ exactly, my lady.” Aldwin scratched his head. “He weren’t altogether happy that he couldn’t come back ’ere to see the stallion fer himself, but he didn’t stick around much after that.”

“He shows all too much interest in Seren,” Catrin said, biting her lip anxiously. “I wish I knew what he was scheming.”

“Well, unless it involves learning that dialect you whisper in Seren’s ears, he’s out o’ luck. That stallion is mighty proud of his Welsh bloodline and won’t ever take kindly to an English nobleman’s demands.” Once again, Seren nodded his head, and Aldwin grinned. “You see, my lady. There you have it.”

Catrin felt some of the tension in her shoulders give way. “You may be right, Aldwin. Seren is as stubborn as he is astute.

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