Yuragwyn: Ours

---Chapter 9

∞Kaitra∞

A knock at the door brings me to my feet, my feet to my boots, and my boots to the gracious hand of a soldier who has offered to help me onto Hiltraud's waiting back. He and I thunder off in silence, very much like our journey less than a week ago. We head in the same direction as the last trip and will carry on past where we met up with the army and head over the mountains to Rite in Agleton, the only sizeable town in that providence. Hopefully there we can acquire more soldiers and end this business of war quickly.

This trip, instead of heading into the forest, we make our way on the opposite side of the River Rapha on the edge of the plain in Quieve. I hold my bow erect, searching for enemy faces I know are very possibly lingering in the forest or even in the tall grasses. I shiver as I remember how close I came to being fish food in these very waters just months ago.

"Hiltraud," I ask quietly. "I never asked you: is there a title I am supposed to call you by?"

He laughs a bit, and I can feel the rumble deep inside him as we ride. "No, Lady Kaitra. I am of lower rank than you."

"You seem to have a rigid system for such things here. How does it all work?"

"Well, Master Hulderic and Madame Rhiannon rule, then, since they are childless, the next highest ranking are your parents, both Lord and Lady, then you, then Honorable Urien, then myself and Traugott share similar status with the leader of each providence of Yuragwyn. He and I have no title, but we are aides to Lord Cadfael and Honorable Urien. I am slightly higher in status than he because of age and experience, but we fulfill similar roles."

"And Calanthe and Briallen?"

"They are not titled, for their father's title comes from his duty and not his heritage, but they are treasured in the house of Llyendal and in the castle," he answers.

"Does the castle have a name?"

"The name is a secret known only to the Master himself. I know not whether Madame Rhiannon can say it. Legend tells that the name, when spoken freely, will release the protective power the elven-wrought bricks hold."

I wonder at this for a moment but make no move to answer. This country is so unlike anything I have ever known. Will I ever adjust to this world, since I have resigned myself to staying on at least a little longer this time?

"Why does Master Hulderic not come to Rite? Does he ever leave Cordina?"

"He has not left in a year, but the reason is unknown."

"Do people ride you regularly?" I ask timidly. This is the question that has been burning in the back of my mind since I returned.

His laugh now is deep and rolling, "No, no, only those of highest rank even consider the idea, and even then only in true need. You qualify on both conditions, and I am happy to bear the Daughter of Yuragwyn. Besides, all our pegasuses are deployed. We had little choice."

I nod.

"What would life be like if we were at peace?" I ask a few moments later.

Our pace slows rapidly, and I search for any intrusion on the plain. Grasses rustle softly, their voices no longer drowned out by hooves.

"Get off; come look at me," he says quietly.

I shiver off his back and force myself to take those three steps to the grass quivering in his shadow. His eyes are a commanding sort of grey, and they search mine with a soldier's precision.