"Nay," he says, shaking his head, watching the mare with a fond smile that's as much for her mistress as for herself. "She's Marian's, from Nottingham. I happened to find myself there yesterday, rather by accident, and Marian asked that I bring Lineave back along with me."

The white mare snuffles at his sleeve, and he leans back against the stall gate to look at Kate.

"I hope you don't mind -- I didn't want to wake you. We got back quite late last night, and I still know enough here to settle a newcomer for a night."