but it took Katherine a while to really understand what that meant. She loved to go riding, but she had been so focused on the management of Duncurra, she hadn’t been on Eachann’s back since the day she arrived. On one late summer day, the open heath outside of Duncurra’s walls practically called to her. She needed to replenish some of her herbs, so she gathered the supplies required for collecting them and headed to the stables. When she asked a stable hand to saddle Eachann for her, he seemed confused and asked, “Are ye riding to the village?” “I need to gather some medicinal herbs,” she answered by way of explanation. “In the village?” She laughed. “Nay, lad, there are not many herbs growing in the village.” The boy looked uncomfortable and asked, “So ye are planning to ride outside the walls?” She laughed again. “Aye, lad. I will need to if I want to gather herbs.” “Then where is your escort, my lady?” “My escort? I don’t need any help.” Looking even more uncomfortable, he said, “My lady, ye can’t ride outside the walls of Duncurra without an escort.
