Contents
Epilogue
Overview
Galva returns to the Braga estate, aching from war and tattoo, and reunites with Idala, the last natural horse, now blind and near death. Recognized at last, Galva dismisses the guards and lingers with Idala despite a summons from the duke. She chooses this farewell over immediate reconciliation with her father.
Summary
Galva comes home to the Braga estate, still sore from the surgery that took her breasts and from her new tattoo. She goes directly to Idala’s hill and enclosure. Idala, the last natural horse in Ispanthia, is blind, tottering, and near the end, yet perks up at Galva’s scent and voice.
New guards challenge Galva, then kneel when they recognize her name. Galva asks only for a nod, dismisses them, and embraces Idala through the fence, weeping with relief and gratitude. She reflects on their shared past, wondering if Idala missed her as she missed Idala, and decides the moment of recognition is enough.
A castellan arrives with welcomes, announcing a bath and that the duke—Galva’s father—wants to see her. Galva rests her head on Idala, listening to the mare’s breathing, the frogs by the river, and watching the sunset over Braga as night approaches.
When pressed again, Galva refuses to rush away. Prioritizing this final time with Idala over her father’s summons, she answers, “My father will wait,” asserting a newfound authority and choosing personal farewell over protocol.
Who Appears
- Galva dom BragaReturns from war, reunites with her dying horse Idala, and delays answering her father’s summons.
- IdalaThe last natural horse in Ispanthia; blind and failing, but recognizes and comforts Galva.
- CastellanGreets Galva, announces a bath, and conveys the duke’s request to see his daughter.
- Young sword-and-buckler guardChallenges Galva, then kneels after recognizing her; leaves at Galva’s request.
- Archer guardStands ready with a strung bow, then defers to Galva and departs.