She accepts them with a smile and tosses her head pertly.

"That is because he is spoilt. But the harvest was good, this year. There is bran enough to give him hot mash as a reward, I think!"

And despite her words, she reaches up to scratch his nose fondly, pleased that he has brough his master home safely.

"And you should come inside and warm yourself by the fire. I will start on a meal, and you can tell me of your adventures - insofar as you can."