Ailene wandered out to the training grounds where Bjarkë was drilling lots of the lads who hadn't gone. Training was a constant. Thorburn had come from a military background as mercenary and raider and knew the value of well trained soldiers if battle became necessary. He was not one to throw untrained boys out as cannon fodder to protect a cadre of well drilled soldiers. Everyone would be able to fight at the highest levels if attacked. It didn't take long for Isobel to join her.

"It feels funny wearing pants. I'm not used to something rubbing against my legs all the time," she said.

"I was the same way...