Page 139 of Highland Queen

“I will walk the rest of the way. It will make for a good joke,” I said absently, my heart not in it.

The girl nodded.

“Arden, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“If you should need anything, please don’t hesitate to come to Dunsinane.”

“And if you ever need anything, don’t forget where we are. Just whisper to the trees,” she said then gave me a soft, sympathetic smile. “Be safe, Your Majesty,” she said then turned and rode back into the night.

I sighed then looked up at the castle, a terrible feeling of loss eating a hole in my heart.

Epona’s words replayed again and again through my head.

I closed my eyes. “Epona, go with my love,” I whispered. “I shall see you in the next life. Blessed may you be.”

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