At the gatehouse, after Visha and the others left, a different drama began to unfold. A female Stone-horn, athletic with small curled horns, approached Uri. It was Bryn, Gorn's daughter.
Gorn had already taken the hinge from the wrapped furs. Everyone had been crowded around looking at the interlocking plates. They moved around, ready for installation.
Uri was focused on his work. He didn't notice Bryn until she spoke.
"Focused on your work?" Bryn asked. "I saw your challenge with my father. As male as strong as you is worthy of being my partner."
Uri looked up, his hazel eyes meeting hers. They were calm, clear, and devoid of any interest she expected to see. "I have no interest in you. I already have a mate."
Bryn was taken aback. She hadn't expected him to be so straightforward. She had never been dismissed so easily before. "In my tribe, a strong male chooses a strong female. Is your partner stronger than I am? I don't believe it."
