We continued our journey in the morning and were met by the Lord Leongrad himself. He looked at me, startled, before throwing open the carriage door, entering without ceremony, obviously pleased to have his wife home. I heard his exclamation and laughter as he met his latest son
The Lady of Arden Retis was taken inside to be tended after her on-road delivery, and I took advantage of the household's disruption to fill my saddle bags with supplies, whilst the cooks were feeling generous, celebrating the birth.
"Ecaeris," Leongrad stopped me in the bailey. "You are welcome to stay," he held the bridle of my horse. "You don't have to rush off."
"Thank you, but I'll go on to Reknoc," rather than stay with the woman who had been my husband's mistress. "Queen Diandreliera asked me to speak with you about the increase in monster activity. She is of a mind to find the source and try to bring it to an end."