Battle Cry - Not Quite Series

"Cheonsa's heart stopped when he saw his mistress, the warrior Kataryn, swept into the grasp of the gigantic black bear. Three-inch claws sat alongside both sides of Kataryn's spine and the dark-haired woman disappeared into the fuzzy embrace until the only part of her Cheonsa could see were her sensible riding boots." General Kataryn's reunion with her beloved steed gives her an edge in the coming war with the barbarians of the northern lands.
Happily, she is ready to return to the Civilized Lands and defend her home from the murderous forces ready to invade from the north. But the Glade of Steeds has a sense of humor, and Kataryn finds her party deep within the barbarian lands with dangers everywhere they turn. Fortunately, their guide Pooki finds some old friends among the seething enemies, and new ties of loyalty are forged.