Hradi leaned back, folding his arms. While he may not have the skill in diplomacy, he enjoyed observing his father and brother debate their options.
"That may be true. Maybe the gods are telling us to welcome our visitors. What better way to uncover any treachery than to convince them we trust them implicitly?"
"I believe the young witch may hold the key to some of this," Kori said.
Jolted into the conversation, Hradi shook his head. "If she does, she is unaware."
"How can you be sure?" his brother asked.
"She is too… "
Kori chuckled. "Too what? Innocent? If you believe that, you are thinking with what's between your legs rather than what's between your ears!"
Hradi shoved his brother. "My head is telling me the girl does not intend us any harm."
"Perhaps," said Thorfinn. "But even if that is true, her mistress may."
"You need to find out, quickly. Don't let your lust get in the way. Use it, but do not let it weaken you," Kori warned.
"I can control myself. I will learn soon enough what she knows and if she plots against us with her mistress." Placing his hands on the table, he pushed himself up. "I have things to do."
He stalked out of the longhouse and made his way across the village square and to the forest beyond, but in the opposite direction of the bare fields. Instead, he made his way to the clearing in a valley of hills. The need to focus on his work, and not the maiden Seeress, quickened his step.
When he rounded the smallest hill, wooden fences forming a large enclosed pen came into view. The usual excitement to see several horses grazing exhilarated him. The beauty of the animals, with their lush manes and powerful bodies, always thrilled him. Training his horses was as exciting as going into battle, perhaps more so.
As if sensing his approach, one of them, the grey stallion farthest away, lifted his head, dark eyes peering through the shaggy forelock. Hradi climbed between the slats of the fence and made his way to the horse, who now trotted across the field. When a few paces away, the animal stopped, shaking his head and pawing the ground, his sharp whinnies revealing his delight to see Hradi. The animal's long and dark thick mane shimmered in the sunshine.
"You won't like me much today, boy," Hradi said, nearing the prancing beast.
The other four horses in the pen now ambled toward them, eager for the treats Hradi always brought. With a grin, he pulled several carrots from the pockets of his tunic. More excited neighs echoed in the crisp morning air. Five horse heads closed around him and he laughed, feeding the beasts and scratching behind their furry ears. The grey pushed the others aside in an attempt to take more of the treats. This was his favorite time of day, when he could forget what troubled him, or other clan matters that demanded hisattention. The time with his horses soothed his worries and left him invigorated and ready to face whatever challenges rose throughout the day. However, a part of him wondered if this time, he might have found himself facing a challenge he might not surmount.
Hradi shoved the grey back with a playful pat, his concern faded. "Easy, Hross. No need to be greedy. You will come with me today, let the others have their share."
When the stallion butted him in the chest, Hradi laughed and quickly slipped the rope around his neck. Like he always did, the horse frisked backward in an effort to break free, but Hradi held firm, even as the other animals fell away, half-spooked by the stallion's agitation. A few gentle words calmed the grey. Hradi stepped closer, still speaking soothing words in a soft voice, reaching out to pat the beast's neck. The animal heaved a shuddering breath, which seemed heavy with resignation, then stood quietly while Hradi secured a more intricate halter around the stallion's head and turned toward the gate. The grey allowed himself to be led from the field and back toward the village.
Hradi's thoughts were consumed with the red-haired witch possibly already awaiting him in the great hall. He didn't really have a need to train the stallion today. Quite simply, he needed to be away from Katrin, fearing he would give in to his desires, no matter who might be present and watching. The time had not yet come for him to put his plan for seduction into play. No, that must be tonight, when they were alone in his farmhouse, away from any possible intrusions. In the meantime, he would focus his energy on preparing the horse for the upcoming races duringJul.
He made his way to the pen behind the blacksmith's building. The clang of hammer against metal resounded throughout the square. Hradi paused to greet the smith, grimy and sweaty from his work and the heat of the forge.
The grey snorted, apparently distressed from the sparks coming off the sword the smith fashioned. Hradi led the animal to the pen and tied off the rope to the fence.
He spent several minutes rubbing the animal with his hands, adding pressure along the stallion's spine and calming the animal when he grew agitated with the weight on his back. Reaching for the soft pad woven from fine sheep's wool, Hradi laid it behind the horse's withers. The grey pranced and snorted, jumping away from Hradi when he reached for him again.
"He's much calmer this time."
Hradi turned to find Kori leaning against the fence. "I will introduce the saddle today." He nodded toward the wood and leather seat resting near the gate. "Need to have him ready for the races beforeJultime."
"You should wait until the planting festival." Kori bent and climbed through the fence.
Hradi continued to stroke the grey, who finally quieted, seemingly resigned that the pad would not be removed. As a reward, Hradi drew another carrot from his pocket and chuckled when the horse eagerly took it from his hand with a loud chomp.
"I think you are just trying to distract yourself."
Hradi avoided his brother's stare. "What are you talking about?"
"The little witch. You are anxious for her, and are using the horse to hide it."
"Nonsense," Hradi said, walking to pick up the saddle. He approached the stallion cautiously, holding the high-backed seat before him. The beast seemed to understand what Hradi intended and pulled against his restraining rope. It held. Moving very slowly, Hradi lifted the saddle and placed it atop the pad.
