The Chieftain's house isn't any bigger than any of the other houses in Alyris. She's the only one that lives there, now that Gwynfor stays in the barracks with the other Warriors, but it would still make sense for the house to be bigger, due to the fact that their leader lives there, but it's not. When Selmas considers this, he knows that it's probably political, a display of equality and humility, but he still admires the decision regardless.
He follows the Chieftain inside. Gwynfor had been sent to go placate the Wisterin, and Byrin had been ordered back to the other Warriors, despite the concerned glances he kept throwing in Selmas' direction. Selmas had tried to give him a reassuring smile, but wasn't sure how well he had managed it. He wasn't feeling particularly reassured himself.
