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No sooner had Léof returned to the stables after a hearty breakfast than he heard the whinny of a horse outside. Surely Eodwine could not be here already? But he felt hopeful nevertheless, and went to check.
No one was approaching, but someone was trotting off up the road. For a moment, Léof thought nothing of it, until he recognized the horse and rider with a start. Lady Saeryn! But what did she think she was doing? And how had she managed to saddle and mount the horse all on her own? Had Léof thought about it at all, he might have realized that his belief in the fragility and helplessness of pregnant women was utterly at odds with Saeryn’s daily behavior. He did not think of it, however, and thus his immediate conclusion was that she must be in need of help (perhaps even rescue), for regardless of how capable she might be, she was surely crazy.
He hesitated, frozen with indecision. Ought he to tell someone? There was no time! She might already be in some sort of danger by then. Just as he made up his mind to rush after her himself, however, Hilderinc rode out of the stables, passing Léof without noticing him. Hilderinc quickly pushed his horse to a faster pace, and Léof realized that someone else must have noticed Saeryn leave and raised the alarm. Well then. It would do no good for him to ride out as well; by the time he got Æthel saddled up, she would be worlds ahead of him. He looked out at her retreating silhouette again – was she really galloping that horse!? Though Léof had no doubts of Saeryn’s riding ability, he was now more convinced than ever that her pregnancy had addled her wits, and here he was left to wait and fret over her safety and that of her horse. Thankfully, the road was a good one; unless she left it for some reason (a reason that only a pregnant woman might think sane), the horse was extremely unlikely to step in any holes.
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