422 CDXXII. The Praise

When he finally got on his horse, he put a hand on his neck and began to caress him. 

He then lowered himself, bringing his ear closer to the beast, trying to sense how he reacted to the load on his shoulders.

On the back of the horse, there was no saddle, but he seemed to be able to bear more weight, despite his paws that seemed to be about to break. 

Dag then invited Freydis to grab his hand and climb up with him.

The girl did so without hesitation, noting that the horse could perfectly hold them both by not being too heavy. 

Before the gate closed, Dag asked the archers on the towers to leave it open, telling them to stay in position, because after a few hours they would return to the fort. 

The two lovers made their way outwards, riding slowly and looking around. 

Nearby, there seemed to be nothing beyond the snow, but Dag recalled the words of Orvar, who throughout his history spoke of a forest not too far from the fort.