Lord Reynold dismounted from his horse and made his way down the slope with the heavy, deliberate stride of a man carrying something that weighed far more than his armor and weapons.
It was one thing to be recognized for the role he played in blocking the elk. That was something he had every right to be proud of. But it was impossible for a man like Reynold to feel comfortable basking in glory that belonged to someone else, even if Baron Fayle accepted the injustice of it.
Meanwhile, Sir Franc followed with the brisk energy of a knight who had just been publicly honored by his future lord and wanted to cement the recognition before the moment passed. Or perhaps the extra spring in his step came from the fact that he'd succeeded in robbing Baron Erling Fayle of his achievement.
Either way, he looked entirely too pleased with himself as he worked to prove that he would be a dog every bit as loyal to his new master as the hounds were to the men holding their leashes.
