Lyons knew the winter was approaching and he wanted his elite to be home with him for Winterfest. This was a special time of year of dances, balls and the whole town took the month off for entertainment. The number in the rank were less than 200 by they arrived at the gates of the port city. The lord had sent a runner days ahead and along the main road were citizens waving handkerchiefs and banners. Welcoming their victors home once more. Lyons rode his men into the main keep. There the wounded and solders could join their families. He kept a number of the elite at his manor. This night he allows that wished to stay in town to celebrate to remain in the small village. The rest of about 25 -50 returned to the manor proper. He hand his son and Dentin to join him as they rode on to the manor. "I know Lads want to celebrate and are tired. You know Ann will have a meal prepared and Kate will be anxious to see us."<br/><br/>It was dusk by the time they rode an hour to the manor and snow began to fall. "We will warm by the hearth and share brady and hot cider. How is your hand Lord Dustin? If you are in pain, Katie and Ann will have some salve or healing or other. Kate is a mage student.". Johh interupted, "She is top of her class. I can make a spark. She is very good at healing. Papa you should have let her come. The mages begged for her." Lyons frowns at him, "Katherine is not graduated and she is too young to see battle. I won't have my men looking upon her with blood lust. She is to see them at the Ball."<br/><br/>They pass the snow covered meadow and 500 acre lake. There is over a mile of picket fence line with white battle stallions that fouled last spring. Lyons has them at a canter and stop to a walk as they enter the main gate with two fox heads. There the guards are lined up to greet the lords and other soldiers. Cheers raise and they are flanked by leafless oaks, retainers and guards.<br/><br/>Once they are at the back of the house they are greeted by stable hands and a man that is over 6 feet tall, burly with graying hair. He bows to his lord, "We home Sir. Ann had food prepared."<br/><br/>Lyons dismounts with a grunt and raises his hand to all outside. "Thank you all for a wonderful greeting. It is cold gentlemen and we are all exhausted and famished. Dismissed and officers dinner is prepared." Lyons turns to Johh and Dustin, "We are home boys. Safe again."<br/><br/>They enter the house and are greeted by the servants and standing in the main hall is Kate. She is dressed in a light green velvet dress. She rushed to her father and hugs him. "Papa! I missed so and Johh come in." She looks at the young lord with them. "Please take a mug of hot cider. Do you wish to eat now or change?"<br/><br/>Kate sees the young man has a hurt wrist. "Please come sit. I am Lady Katherine. Please call me Kate or Katie."