「The next day.」
The stable was filled with the mixed smell of hay and horse manure. A few rays of sunlight slipped through the cracks of the wooden windows, illuminating the floating dust motes.
Old John was struggling to clean a manger. His movements were much slower than usual, and his forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat.
"These last few days of mass have been exhausting," Old John said, straightening up and rubbing his sore back. "We've been busy from morning till night. Even us grooms, who are supposed to be looking after the warhorses, have had to help move offerings and set up the venue."
Allen, who was grooming a horse's mane nearby, sighed at his words. "You can say that again. We've had to tend to three separate batches of mounts just for the nobles who came to visit."
