“Our ceremonies—”

“I know. I honor and respect your ceremonies. Please honor and respect mine. I shall release them shortly.”

She frowned, looking indecisive, and glared at her sons. “Well, then, see that they hurry. You are a guest here, and welcome, but you must not interfere with us.” “My word is given,” Dain told her.

As soon as she left, he nudged the boys forward to Sir Thum, who now had donned his hauberk gingerly over his wounded shoulder. It was short in the sleeves and too loose in the girth, but once his sword belt was buckled, he looked well enough. The pride shining in his face rivaled the sun, and Dain could not have been more pleased with the outcome of his surprise. The dwarf boys, encouraged by his wink and nod, stepped up to Thum and in unison intoned, “Steel and brass.  Brass and steel. May your sword hold strong. May no arrow pierce your armor. Let the breath of the war gods Fim and Rod protect you in battle.” Sir Thum listened to this benediction with bewilderment. When they were finished, he glanced at Dain. “What did they say?”

Dain translated. “It’s an ancient dwarf blessing for warriors. The same blessings have been said over your sword and mail as they were made.” “Oh.” Gripping the hilt of his new sword, Sir Thum turned to the boys and bowed with his best courtly flourish.

Grinning, they retreated and looked at Dain. “Now do we go?”

“Not just yet,” he said in dwarf, and turned around. “Alexeika.” She was still eying the fit of Thum’s hauberk with a critical eye, but at the sound of her name she glanced up and gave Dain a quick nod. “Aye, sire. If you’re ready to depart, I’ll get the ponies.”

“Nay,” he said before she could stride away. As usual she was still trying to anticipate him, and half the time getting things wrong. “There’s something else to do first.”

She frowned. “No disrespect to Sir Thum, but the day is getting on.”

“Alexeika, come here,” Dain said.

She hesitated, then obeyed him. She was still frowning and would not meet his eyes. He’d sensed disquiet in her for days, but whatever was troubling her would have to wait.

“I will not let you ride forth in that red armor,” he said. “Take it off.”

Her eyes widened and an angry flush crept up her cheeks. “Sire?”

“You heard me. Take it off.”