No one bothered them as they went up the ridge. When they reached the top, Teárlag asked for her shift. "I think I can tolerate something this light. It's better than leaves and branches rubbing my bare skin."

It was a little easier for the men to keep their eyes off her once she put it on.

It was a long walk to where they left the horses hobbled, forced to travel slow due to the women lacking shoes and Teárlag still moving with difficulty. When they reached the horses, Thorburn told Frang to find Bjarkë and withdraw their men and bring them back to the Keep. Stuart helped Ailene...