He took her hand in farewell and flashed her another grin. “I am Lord Irmaedith now,” he whispered, “but my name is Seth.” He bowed. “Good-bye, Heart. Travel safely.” Then he sprang back over the gate, and she heard him murmur to the guards. “Good-bye,” Heart whispered. It was strange leaving the stables with the guards. Heart knew the other pages would think she had broken some law. The guards rode in silence behind her as she walked the unicorns back out the gates, down the long hill, and onto the High Road. Then they reined in. One of them gave her a bag of food. There were even carrots for the unicorns. The guards waited as she started off. After a moment she heard them ride away. What was left of that long night passed easily, quietly. By morning Heart was too tired to go any farther. She found a good clearing with an icy creek and made camp. It was above the road, with a stand of sycamores to keep people from seeing the unicorns. There were only a few wagons coming past Bidenfast.
