After Thomas saddled Missy the next morning, he gave her one of the withered apples left over from the last summer’s hoard as an apology to the mare for the unexpected journey.
She took it with a snap of her big teeth, munching the tasty treat with relish. Her ears perked up as Thomas rubbed her nose affectionately. “Sorry, girl,” he murmured. “It won’t be too far today.”
She nudged him, her nostrils quivering as she snuffed at him in search of another apple. He laughed and pushed her head away, giving her neck an affectionate pat as Fee came out of the barn, leading a dainty grey mare.
Eachan waited, holding the lead rope of a donkey that was laden with the belongings Fee was taking with her. She had decided she would stay at her holding for the summer, and no persuasion from Binne
