Gawyn raised his eyebrow. He didn’t need to answer the boy. The boy would just continue to ask questions. He was a curious child. In time, he would learn that to become wise, he needed answers.
“I once saw a horse that was twice the size of yours.”
“Adam,” Justina called as she approached. “Leave Captain Gawyn alone. He has enough work to do without you bothering him.”
Gawyn looked at the boy and made a mental note of his name. Adam. “It was probably a war horse. When you come to Castle Acquitaine, I’ll show you my war horse.”
“You have a war horse?” Adam gasped.
Gawyn nodded.
“Adam, I thought I saw a cat near the geese. Go chase it away,” Justina ordered.
The boy’s joyful expression faded, and anger danced in his eyes. He whirled, racing away toward the field, mumbling something about troublesome cats.
Justina watched him leave before turning back to Gawyn. “You shouldn’t tell him things like that. We won’t be going to Acquitaine anytime soon. I told you the trip was too long. I can’t be away from my chores.”
Gawyn smiled. “I think you’ll be there sooner than you believe. Remember? Lord Damien requested your presence at dinner.”
Justina scowled. “Is that why you brought all these soldiers?”
“I brought all these soldiers under Lady Aurora’s orders. She is particularly protective of her people. She will see to it that your uncle is safe.”
“You told her about us?”
“I told her about the Hungars raiding a farm. She was concerned about the people living on the borders. She really was hurt you could not travel to Acquitaine and inform her of the danger. So...” He turned back toward the group of soldiers who had dismounted and were awaiting orders. He scanned the men until his gaze fell upon a white and brown horse near the front of the line. He pointed to it. “See that horse? The one with the brown markings?”
Justina nodded.
“Lady Aurora is giving her to you so that your trip will not take so long.”
Justina gasped. She opened her mouth and then closed it, staring at the animal. Finally, she looked at Gawyn. “I... I... I don’t know what to say.”
Gawyn smiled, enjoying her speechlessness. “You can come to dinner and thank her.”
