Page 16 of The Changeling

Cautiously I began to climb down once more. It was even harder, for I had to look down, and the lanterns in the lower branches showed me how far I had to fall. At last I made it to the ground, my best kirtle filthy and torn, my legs so trembly I had to sit down.

‘She’s a brave lassie,’ Robbie said. ‘I’d never have believed she could climb so far.’

Sorcha punched my arm. ‘She’s a wee dafty!’

Rory had climbed down too. He looked sullen and truculent, but he stuck out his hand to me. ‘You win, fair and square. I’ll bring Vulcan around in the morning.’

I shook his hand, amazed. ‘You’ll really let me ride your horse?’

‘A gentleman must always honour his word,’ he answered stiffly.

I gave him a nod, liking him for the first time.

‘I’m sorry I dared you,’ he added in a rush. ‘I was in a temper. I should not have done it – Father would whip me soundly if he knew.’

‘It doesna matter,’ I said. ‘I didna fall.’

Robbie whispered something in his brother’s ear. After a hurried argument, Rory beckoned for me and Sorcha to follow him to the kennels. Lying in one of the stalls was a deerhound, six puppies yapping and tumbling about her.

‘Would you like one?’ Rory said. ‘To say sorry for daring you.’

I stared at him, utterly speechless.

‘It’s also a peace offering,’ Robbie said.

‘What for?’

The boys looked at each other. ‘I know you scorn a leading rein, Caiti, and want to gallop,’ Robbie said carefully, ‘but we cannot just put you up on Vulcan’s back and let you loose. He’ll have you off in seconds.’

‘He wouldna!’

‘He would, Caiti. You’re such a wee thing, you’re not strong enough.’

‘I am so!’

Rory began to say something scornful, but Robbie put out one hand. ‘That’s why the puppy is a peace offering. We have to teach you to ride first.’

I stood silently for a moment, eyes narrowed, considering them. Then I went into the stall and sat on my heels in the straw. The smallest of the puppies crawled towards me, stumbling over her clumsy paws. I lifted her into my lap. She was black and shaggy, with wisps of a beard and moustache like an old, old woman.

‘This one,’ I said, cuddling her close.

‘What will you call her?’ Robbie asked.

I held the puppy up to my face. She licked my chin.

‘Carlin,’ I decided at last.

‘After the old hag? Why on earth?’ Sorcha asked, amazed.

‘It’s midwinter’s eve,’ I said, ‘and she will protect me.’

Perhaps I remembered more than I knew.

IV

Two Queens

Most afternoons, the boys met me and Sorcha in a field far from the castle, so they could teach me to ride without anyone seeing.