I have prepared the best of the horses for a journey, choosing the gentle white mare for the druidess to ride. Drystan ties the last bundle onto the roan's back and gives her a gentle pat. He has decided to stay behind and protect whatever is left of the Brigantes here. There is sure to be bloodshed when Santorix is discovered missing.

Several shadows emerge from out of the darkness. The horses, restless to travel, snort and toss their heads, sensing the excitement.

Leaving this place is not easy. My thoughts turn wistfully to the day I wandered into the village with two of my ponies, the last of my father's finely bred stock. My village had been raided, burned to the ground, and I barely managed to escape. Drystan was the first to befriend me, lucky for me to meet someone who loved horses as much as I did. It seems like only yesterday, that sunny and peaceful day when we met.

Now I must move on. Brion and Vaugn have already gone ahead, escorting the loathsome Santorix to some godforsaken place where no one will ever find him. Perhaps he is already dead. I turn to smile at the druidess Andriveta and bow to her as I present the white mare.

"Fit for a queen!" I assure her.

"We'd best hurry," Flidhais warns us, peering into the dark for any danger.

Drystan gives me one last quick hug. Our little group mounts up and Flidhais takes the lead. Quietly, just before dawn, we slip away from Ebrauc.