They looked over at the pile of freshly cut trees behind them. Maddock House would never be the grand house it had been, mostly due to lack of materials, but it would stand in exactly the same spot it once had. These kinds of rebuilds were happening throughout the region as people got to work restoring their homes and communities. But since a large majority of the men were away protecting the borders, it fell upon the women to do the bulk of the labour. They were more than happy to, however.

Isabel’s chest felt light with hope.

Margery flew down and landed on a nearby post, and the women walked over to shower her with attention.

‘Rabbit showed me how to use a trowel,’ Ita said. ‘We only have a small amount of stone to work with, but I thought I’d teach you how to mix and lay mortar.’

The day before, Rabbit had taught the women how to use an auger, and they had spent the day drilling holes into wood. The day before that, they had spent six hours hammering wooden pegs into the ground. Isabel’s hands had been covered in blisters by the end.

‘There is something else I would like to learn how to do,’ Isabel said, playfully catching hold of Margery’s beak.

‘Oh? What’s that?’

‘I thought maybe you could teach me how to use a bow.’

Ita frowned. ‘What for? You have Margery to hunt for you.’

‘It is not only for hunting. It is for protection too.’

‘And you have me for that.’

Isabel looked back at the road again. ‘Be that as it may, I would still like to learn.’

Ita watched her for a moment. ‘You’re quite safe here, you know.’

‘I know.’

Hodge was rumoured to be lying low after losing favour with King Edward. The king had withdrawn his support after certain details about the camp surfaced, in particular the part about produce being shipped elsewhere for profit instead of being given to the people growing it. They had all hoped for a much bigger consequence, but the country still needed its marcher lords to insulate the border.

‘Of course I’ll teach you,’ Ita said. ‘Rabbit can help too.’

Isabel found it amusing that all this time had passed and yet they were unable to break the habit of using aliases.

‘Let’s get started on the mortar,’ Ita said, tying up her horse.

Isabel glanced again at the road.

‘I can’t tell if you’re waiting for Hodge to show up or Blackmane to return,’ Ita said as they strolled towards the building site.

Isabel’s eyebrows came together. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I’m talking about the way you watch the road.’

Isabel looked up as Margery flew overhead, landing by the tools. ‘Do you think he ever thinks about me?’