“I am riding, too, Father. That is your surprise!”

Before Quentin could speak, Toli, sitting next to the Prince, said, “We have been practicing for weeks, my lord. Your son has become a fine horseman.”

“Is it true?” He stared at his son.

The boy burst out laughing. “If you could see the bruises I have endured, you would know the truth of it!”

Quentin did not know what to say. He glanced to Bria, who was attending the scene from her seat with a worried look on her face. Quentin scratched his jaw and seemed about to overrule the enterprise. He looked to Toli “Do you think it wise?” Prince Gerin bit his lip.

“Sire, I would not allow it if I thought he would be in danger. He can handle himself and his mount, never fear. And I will ride with him just to make sure. I will not allow him away from me for an instant

Quentin nodded, his eyes on the boy. The intense hope the youngster carried within him burned out of his eyes like a flame. How could he be denied?

“As you will,” said Quentin, breaking into a grin when he saw how much his approval meant to the lad. “You shall ride. And I hope you find the biggest trophy!”

“For you, Father. I want to find one for you!”

“Toli, watch after him. And you, young sir, do as Toli tells you.”

They made their way among the other riders to the end of the field-the King in the lead with Durwin on one side and Prince Gerin and Toli on the other. When they were in position, the King raised his hand and the Marshal of the Hunt blew his horn. "To the hunt!” they cried, and all at once the horses leapt away, thundering off across the plain toward Pelgrin Forest.

The thump of the horses’ hooves on the plain pounded out a drumbeat, and the people cheered as the hunters flew away into the forest. Once they reached the foremost fringes of the wood, Quentin hung back and let the others go ahead. Those after game dashed ahead first, lances at the ready, searching out trails among the dark branches. Hot behind them came the trophy seekers who spread out to ride alone to secret places where they hoped a prize would be found.