Bhapa appeared to fumble for words. “Earlier.” He swallowed hard. “When Cord Pahni returned to us.” He glanced, flinching, at Linden, then forced himself to meet Mahrtiir’s eyeless scrutiny. “The Ringthane asked why we did not summon the Ranyhyn to ease Pahni’s sorrow. I replied”—again he swallowed—“with disrespect, hearing no esteem for the Ranyhyn in her. Yet now—”

Once more, he faltered.

The Manethrall waited. Carefully Rime Coldspray prompted, “Yet now—”

A flush spread like shame across the Cord’s face. In a rush, he said, “If we summon the Ranyhyn, and entrust ourselves to their wisdom, perhaps they will consent to select our path.

“They are the Ranyhyn,” he insisted as if his companions had objected. “Though they have ever allowed both the Ramen and their riders to choose their roads, they share insights which surpass us. Perhaps they can discern the whereabouts of the Timewarden’s former mate. Or they may recognize the Ardent’s purpose. They may elect to resume the journey which he was unable to complete.

“Surely any destination deemed condign by the Ranyhyn is preferable to our present bafflement.”

There Mahrtiir silenced Bhapa. “Enough, Cord,” the Manethrall said, unexpectedly mild in spite of his palpable excitement. “This is unforeseen counsel. I now comprehend your hesitation in speaking of it. Ramen do not presume to such thoughts. Before the Ringthane’s coming, however, no Raman had presumed to ride the Ranyhyn. Yet when that occasion presented itself, they made plain their approval. I do not doubt that they will approve once more.”

His eagerness stirred the company. The Giants lifted their heads as though they had caught the scent of hope.

Hyn! Linden thought. Hynyn. Naharahn and Bhanoryl and Mhornym and the others. In their sparse horserite, Hyn and Hynyn had found a way to share their concerns without manipulating her choices. And they were responsible for persuading Stave to alter his allegiance despite the combined indignation of the Masters. Her many mistakes had taught her to trust them.

Suddenly she missed Hyn with all her heart: the mare’s proud carriage and fleet-ness, the affection in her soft eyes, the certainty of every step. Hyn would know—

With a clarion note in his voice, Mahrtiir asked, “What say you, Ironhand of the Swordmainnir? Lacking other wisdom, we are baffled. And I conceive that Liand’s steadfastness came as near as any human may to the fidelity of the Ranyhyn. If we determine to abide by their guidance, his openness and valor will indeed be made our lodestone.”

Again Rime Coldspray spoke quietly with her comrades. When she was ready to answer, her eyes shone.