The Cattle Keeper

Before the pursuit

Years moving cattle have taught you the paths, the narrow gates and what a rope can hold.

Your father kept cattle on these slopes. You learned the paths beside him, and Ewan learned them beside you. Home is close enough to picture: the hearth, the worn threshold, a place to set down what the day has asked you to carry.

Then the fighting took Ewan. You found him in a prisoner column, barely able to stand. You cut him free and took a crossbow in the escape. He is leaning on you now.