Niamh’s sadness at Lorcan’s leaving disappeared momentarily at the sight of the old horsemaster from her youth.

Paying no heed to status or etiquette, she ran through the courtyard and wrapped her arms around Horsemaster Asamar Taron. Smiles spread quickly across both their faces.

Tears of happiness mixed with tears of grief as the old horsemaster and the young queen welcomed more Tigherneach Keep refugees. Niamh took her place with others helping hand out blankets and food ...