Lucy's education continued apace. Eden taught her more of the language of Westmoreland, until she could speak hesitant, broken little sentences, and she learned to swim, and row, and sail. There were many times that Eden impatiently told her she was a little muff, whenever she made an error that put their craft in danger, although never again did Lucy tip a boat over or fall in.

But the word muff completely disappeared from Eden's vocabulary the day Lucy asked if they could go out riding.

It was a fine cool day as they walked to the stables. Lucy saw the old shepherd who had come down from the fells, and smiled at him.

"Boree da, moi kar," she said politely, which means Good morning, my friend. In the Old Language, everyone is addressed as a friend, unless you know they mean harm to you.

"Boree da, bix maelle," replied the old shepherd, his face breaking into a rare smile at her earnest expression and strong accent. This means Good morning, little princess.

Eden greeted him, and they had quite a long conversation about his flocks, which Lucy was unable to follow, except that she did know that debed meant "sheep". The word was getting used a lot, which made sense considering his profession.

At last it was time to say, "Evidamad" to the shepherd, who touched his hand to his brow deferentially, and they continued on their way.

"That's old Togi," Eden said as they continued on. "He's been the shepherd here since before my mother was born. There's a ewe who's unwell, and he's going to the castle to get some help with her, for he's not strong enough to lift her by himself any more."

"Shouldn't he have an assistant or something?" Lucy asked.

"He does, his son," Eden said, "but Mordon's away at the market today. I told Togi to ask the gardener, and if he can't find anyone, to see my father."

"Should we go and help?" asked Lucy, although she didn't know at all what to do.

"We will if nobody else can," Eden replied. "Father and I have helped with the sheep before when we're needed. You see, they're our livestock, and our responsibility."

When they reached the stables, Eden picked out a white pony for Lucy, saying, "You won't have any problems with Gwen. She's good and steady."

"I'm sure I won't," said Lucy with a little smile, stroking Gwen's nose. "You're a lovely girl, aren't you?"

"I suppose you ride side-saddle, like a proper young lady," said Eden, preparing to go to the tack room.

"I don't wear any saddle, or bridle," said Lucy airily. "Don't need them."

She placed her hands on Gwen's withers, and vaulted lightly onto her bare back, gently urging her on using her feet, and holding onto her mane. As soon as they were out in the field, she encouraged Gwen to go faster.

It was impressive enough to see Lucy galloping her little white mare with no leathers at all, but Eden's jaw positively dropped when Lucy slowed her pony to a canter, then knelt on her before standing up, her arms outstretched.

"How do you do that?" Eden gasped.

Lucy put her arms above her head and stretched out one leg gracefully like a dancer.

"This? Oh, my old riding instructor used to be a circus performer. She taught me to do this by the time I was six."

"You have to teach me," Eden said, her eyes staring in wonder.

"That's nothing. Watch this," Lucy said, rather enjoying showing off for a change.

She rolled back on her shoulders, then stood on her hands and lifted both legs in the air, the gentle canter of the mare continuing.

"That's ... I didn't know people could do that," Eden said, barely getting the words out.

And so Lucy found that she had something to teach Eden, and Eden groaned at her own mistakes, and fell off her pony many more times than Lucy had fallen out of a boat.

The local people marvelled at Lucy's prowess, believing that she had a magical bond with her mount. They called her Caramandua, which means "she who loves ponies" in their language.

Note

Togi is a Brittonic word for "oath", used as an element in names.

Mordon is derived from the Brittonic words for "sea blessing". There are similar names in other Celtic and Gaelic languages.

Gwen is based on the Brittonic word for "white", a very common element in names.

Caramandua is a made-up name, but the Celts did have a lot of female names based on mandu, the word for "pony", so it seemed like a name they might reasonably create.

If you have read Raven and Rue, you will remember how all the royal children were taught to ride by a retired circus performer.