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It was close to two bells in the morning when the horses were being walked in a cool down circle on the green next to the Inn. They were trying to be quiet, but Markle heard the horses and went to see what was going on. He quietly welcomed the tired riders and brought them inside when the horses had been unburdened and partially brushed down.
Marie held a shawl around her, a long, loose night dress on her the only other clothing. She stood in the main room of the Inn and greeted the late night travelers. The shutters were pulled over the windows and lights were brought to full flame to light the room.
Laun was leaning against the wall, trying to keep upright until she knew where she would be sleeping that night. She was too tired to talk to the couple who ran the Inn, the people who had been so important to her when she was on the road over the last year. She wanted to give them the messages, but decided to wait until the next morning.
The others were also very tired, most leaning on benches and tables and not sitting. The saddles were good, but they had been riding hard to get there. The way everyone walked showed how much it would take to get their hips and backs to work properly again.
Marie had water for all of them as Markle cleared out a few things from the alcoves and opened the private rooms. No one else was there that night, much to the relief of the group. Markle motioned to Laun and she started to follow to the room she was used to, several of the men trying to follow.
Before she knew what was gong on, Laun was surrounded by men, all vying to be her companion that night. »Read More