I look away from Ygritte to the palomino mare as she speaks, and at the mention of gallantry I turn back to the bay with merriment in my eyes. “I’ll have to say nicer things about you then,” I tell the salmon-pointed queen, “I’ve been telling everyone how mean you are.” Despite the words, there is laughter in my voice, and I lean over to bump by shoulder against Ygritte’s as reassurance that I am only joking.

Turning back to Ashara, I catch the end of her bow, and shake my head with a small laugh: “There’s no need for such formality,” I tell her with a smile. I catch the way that Jedi watches her and wonder if perhaps there is a budding romance in the Falls. We could use that, I think; I have always enjoyed having foals running about.

“I’d be glad to, Jedi. Perhaps we can mock soon, learn each other’s strengths, that sort of thing.” I’m the head of the army, I suddenly realize. This is my responsibility. With Texas gone, we are without warriors. I have led before, but I was only a captain. I will have to learn, I deice, and Jedi seems the sort of fellow that would make an excellent soldier. If he’s attached to Ashara, that’ll only make him all the better; protection has always been my strongest battle drive.