Chapter 1: The morning after

Rider sir Karigan G'ladheon, laid on her bed staring at the ceiling, emitted a groan. Last night after a brisk ride she had returned to the rider wing to avoid the festivities in the hall (even though, or especially because, they were partly in her honour.) Garth had found her there and steered her to the rider common room where many riders were holding there own party extending well past that of the formal one. Karigan had recklessly let loose her frustration at King Zachary by participating wholeheartedly.

Her head pounded as if a whole village did a jig inside her head.

'Ouch she groaned as she tried to sit up. Stiffly she walked across to the wash basin, ran some water and plunged her head in. unknown to her Ben was walking past her room and took pity on her.

'Karigan you should take a bath, I can still smell the alcohol.' He chuckled at the sight before him, a bedraggled and cringing rider, with a sheepish expression on her face. 'I'll get you a tea to help with the headache.' He turned to leave but Karigan reached out to grip his arm, wincing as the movement caused the village to jig faster.

'How much did I drink?'

'Not too much but you drank some of the vodka from the kitchen stores, it had a bit of a kick to it.'

'I think its still kicking me now,' she muttered.

She lurched away form the grinning rider and made her way tentatively towards the baths.

'I'll get your tea in a bit' he called after her and made his way towards the mending wing

Karigan clambered out of the bath feeling much more human and pulled on a fresh uniform. She carefully combed her hair, her head now felt like it was stuffed with cotton wool, and than set off in search of Ben.

'Here' Ben said chuckling for the umpteenth time at Karigan who winced at the taste of his concoction.

'Could have just used your magic' she muttered

'Now you know I need to save it in case of an emergency, it only makes me tired. Besides captains orders. No treating hangovers when there self inflicted, which they almost always are.'

'Spoil sport'

Luckily she didn't have to attend Drent that morning she mused as she sipped the tea cautiously.

'Think ill go see condor, thanks Ben.'

'Heya buddy.' Karigan cooed as she picked up his curry and brush and begin to brush his side in long hard, circular strokes. As usual condor showed his appreciation with a grunt and leaned into her strokes.

'Good morning rider sir G'ladheon.' Said a voice from outside the stall.

'Morning Mara. What you up to?' Karigan replied not noting the use of her new title.

'Just checking on supplies and tack ready for errands. You feeling ok after last night?'

'I am now. Did I really drink that vodka?'

Mara grinned at the memory of Karigan last night. 'Sure did, your face was a picture! Apparently its an acquired taste.'

Mara paused remembering a message she'd received earlier.

'Whilst your here though I ought to warn you, Drent wants you to see him this afternoon.'

'What! I thought I had today off.'

'I think he wants to talk to you about the sword master initiate training.'

'Oh gods. I should go finish some paperwork than.'

Karigan stepped out of the stall and put the brushes away.

'See ya Mara'

'Bye, rider sir G'ladheon'

'I hate that title!' Karigan said and slumped off towards her room.