CHAPTER 29
Inside the kennel gates, George turned Afanc around to get a good look at his staff, ready to go. Alun had worked miracles with the rain-soaked clothing from Saturday, and everything looked clean and polished. Even the hounds were brushed. Alright, he thought, we look like a professional outfit. Let’s see if we can perform like one.
Ives opened the kennel gates and George led the pack into the yard and straight through the curtain wall, passing stragglers still getting mounted near the stables. The larger crowds of the full hunt field were gathered and waiting near the manor gates in front. He was about a quarter of an hour ahead of the planned departure and intended to wait quietly off to the side until he received Gwyn’s signal to depart.
The hounds and staff trotted in an
