Irenya waited while Gedric marshalled the party. With the pass behind them and the path a little wider, he wanted them to ride two abreast. Nettle whinnied in her ear.
‘Irenya, ride with me.’ It was Aldine. Irenya happily moved into position alongside the princess, her only concern was that Aldine might raise questions of the affair between her brother and Olwin. Irenya had stayed well clear of the subject and avoided any involvement that might divert her from her quest, or stir up Gedric’s ire.
Since Winter Solstice, Olwin had seemed preoccupied and a little distant, except for one occasion. Olwin shyly approached Irenya and asked what she knew about the mysterious dark powder that caused fire. The subject was supposed to be a secret, and those involved sworn to silence. Olwin’s fake sm
