Chapter 23 Summary

One winter morning Birle stares out the castle window. The Earl of Sutherland, Orien's grandfather, has accepted her. She has met Orien's grandmother. Birle has seen Orien for only a few moments in the weeks since their arrival. Everyone has been kind, referring to Birle's "foreign customs" instead of admitting her humble origins. Still, she feels awkward and clumsy.

Orien's grandfather tells Birle the story of her grandparent's saving his life, sheltering him from a blizzard in their inn. The Earl reveals that Orien's father was murdered, but not by Gladaegal. The huntsman was seeking his own revenge for a dishonored daughter.

Birle quietly asks permission of the Earl to leave the castle. He refuses until his wife points out that Birle will simply run away if he persists. Among the people, the men and women work side-by-side. Birle can never be happy...