The King and Brand rode off together, followed by his small bodyguard.
“Your people have said nothing yet about recalling you?” Ughtred asked.
“Nothing,” Brand answered. “I think that Theos is still being watched with interest.”
“And you yourself?”
Brand looked straight ahead.
“I am content here,” he answered. “I shall be sorry to leave.”
There was the thunder of hoofs on the turf a short distance away, and Marie of Reist in a white riding-habit and the military cap of the Thetian Guards galloped past. Her lithe, superb figure was at its best—she managed her charger with the easy confidence of a born horsewoman. Ughtred eyed her thoughtfully.
“There are not many women like that—even in England, Brand,” he remarked.
“Your Majesty is quite right,” Brand answered. “The Countess of Reist is the most beautiful woman whom I have ever seen.”
Ughtred smiled and looked down into the valley. They reined in their horses upon a small knoll.