Stormcloud shifted as the ship hit a wave, sending a fine spray of mist drifting across the deck. Charlaine placed her hand on her horse"s nose, attempting to calm her.
"She"s nervous," said the princess.
"That"s to be expected, considering the sea isn"t her natural environment."
"But she sailed all the way to Lidenbach, didn"t she?"
"She did, but in the Barlowe’s hold. Here on the Valiant, she"s out in the open on deck." Charlaine looked at the trees lining the shore. "That"s quite a forest.”
Barlowe’sValiant"Yes, the Brinwald. They say all manner of creatures live there."
Charlaine chuckled.
"You don"t take me seriously?"
"My pardon, Highness, but the same thing is said for pretty much every forest in the Petty Kingdoms."
"That doesn"t mean it"s not true. Besides, it gives the p
