Independence

Both Birle and Orien long for independence. Birle is eager to escape the drudgery of life as an innkeeper's daughter. Birle resents the way her stepmother, Nan, talks to her. Birle has already exerted her independence by accepting a marriage proposal from a man of whom her parents disapprove. Muir, the huntsman, asked Birle to marry him at the last fair. The ceremony will take place at the next sprint fair, in just a few weeks. Birle is already having second thoughts about the marriage. The life of a huntsman's wife is lonely and impoverished. If she has children, there will be no holding for her son to inherit, and no dowry for her daughter. Yet, Birle has pledged her troth. Only the man can break the engagement. Just as Birle agreed to marry Muir to escape her parent's house, now she agrees to a journey with Orien...