The night was waning as the pair of riders ran across the plain. They’d been riding for the better part of a full day. After they left Isal the first stop was to go to one of the fringe towns. Getting the horses was one thing but getting actual supplies to handle the long travel to the Sanctum wasn’t something they could have done in Isal. And with the Norians now having it out for Shin they’d have to stay on move until they left Norian territory.
Both horses were keeping a good pace without any signs of tiring but Isaac was concerned for Soot. He didn’t want to push the horse too much especially after only the first night of being with her. He wasn’t sure how Shin felt about Coal though. Glancing toward the horizon he watched the moon starting to set and the sky gaining tints of pink and purple.
Looking ahead he saw the small town that they were aiming for. Shin said it was called Valle. It wasn’t the one he passed on his way to Isal. This one was smaller than that one but still bigger than the first village they’d come across.
The horses kept running at their fast clip but when they arrived at the village they began to slow down. Finally hitting a short canter, they entered the village. At this early hour the streets were empty. Well mostly empty, there was one man against the side of a building passed out with a bottle in his hand. Otherwise the streets were empty.
Passing a few closed doors, they stopped at an inn. Shin slid off his horse and glanced back at Isaac. “I’m getting us some rooms. Don’t cause any trouble.”
“Didn’t you spend all of the gold to get these two?”
Rolling his eyes Shin reached into his cloak and produced a small purse that jingled as it moved. “I have my own.”
“What isn’t in that cloak?”
Shin didn’t respond. Walking across the dirt he climbed the small step and walked into the inn. From the door he saw a young man bent over a desk with a book. There were two paths on either side of him. Glancing down one he saw a few tables and chairs and in the other just a long hallway and a set of stairs at the end
Shin approached and kicked the desk lightly, startling the youth who looked at Shin and then at the door before hastily putting the book away. “What can I do for you?”
“I need a room. That can fit two people. And two horses that need to be cared for.”
“Certainly,” the boy got to his feet slowly and stretched his arms above his head. “We have a room open on the second floor. “Cost bout three for a day.”
“Three?” Shin repeated with some frustrated shock in his tone.
The boy got sheepish then and nodded. “Times are rough. Not a lot of travelers coming through these parts. We need to charge more ta stay afloat.”
“Why? I thought the army had settled down it’s forward expansion.”
“There’s been a bunch a rumors bout the Sanctum going on the move,” the boy said and glared. “Trying ta invade and cause trouble. So, people are retreatin back into the capital just in case. The great leader will protect them but people like us are left out. And it’s not like the soldier’ll pay when they need to stay.”
Shin clucked his tongue and shook his head. “Shame. For what it’s worth the empire should protect all of its people. Not just abuse them for their resources.”
The boy nodded quickly and Shin finally placed the money on the table. The boy picked it up and bit one of the pieces as he looked at it before nodding quickly. Turning to the wall behind him he picked off a key from the rack and held it out. “Take your horses round back. I’ll meet ya there.”
Nodding his head quickly he walked back outside and Isaac was holding the reins of both horses. Soot was stamping the ground nervously but Coal was looking around. Her eyes were black but she looked at everything for a long time before moving on. Shin saw the intelligence there. The horse stared at him and never took its eyes off as it looked at him.
Walking over to it he pats her head, stroking between her eyes lightly and then crouched quickly. “So, girl. You and your sister are going to be the reason we get this fool back to the Sanctum it seems.”
“I heard that,” Isaac said glancing at his partner.
“Good. We’re taking them around the back of the inn.”
They both took the reins of their individual horses and led them around the inn. Attached to the back was a stable. Shin smelled it before he got there but it was nothing special as far as he was concerned. There was one other horse in the stable and it was asleep ignoring them.
The boy opened two doors and Shin led Coal into the space. It was a decent sized box, giving the horse space to step about. He slid past the horse and looked Coal. The horse gave him a slow blink from her large eyes before throwing her head back. Chuckling softly he rubbed the horses head and turned to face the boy again. “Take care of them.”
Isaac led Soot forward and the horse continued to watch him warily. Frowning he took a step back and closed the pen. The horse continued to watch him patiently but she also didn’t approach him the same way Coal did to Shin.
“They’re beauts. I’ll make sure they’re fed. You both staying more than a night?”
“We should be gone by night fall,” Shin said and glanced at Isaac motioning toward the inn.
“Alright. Well we’re glad ta have you both.” He said nodding quickly and Shin was already walking back toward the front. Isaac followed him and they entered. Taking the hallway to the room Shin glanced at the key as they traveled up the stairs. Going past a few doors he went into 203 and unlocked it.
It was a simple room. It had a bed, a desk and a chair, a shoddy mirror, and a window facing out to the street itself. Shin walked to the wall and took his shovel off, setting it against a wall. Once he was sure that it wouldn’t fall over but also in arms reach, he went to the bed. Sitting down he moved slightly and then grunted. “Cheap bed. For the price we paid I’d expect something better.”
“This whole town doesn’t seem that wealthy,” Isaac said going toward the window. “I know it’s early but I’d expect at least a few people around. At the very least people who don’t live in this town.
“A conflict is going to be coming. After the last calamity hit the emperor has been on edge and ready to take aggressive action against the Sanctum.”
“The one that was up north near the mountains? Why would that be a cause for action?” Isaac asked confusion clear across his face.
Shaking his head Shin took off the cloak slowly and leaned forward. His back was arched forward slightly and even through the clothes Isaac knew someone who’d been beaten recently. Frowning harder he walked toward Shin but stopped. He sat down next to him but kept some distance between them.
Shin looked toward him and motioned toward the window. “Up north is rumored where the Cerisan queen kept her castle and her subjects And a calamity recently struck there. A calamity hasn’t struck there in centuries. But if one struck there that means likely that the Cerisans are gone. Or at least a most of them.”
Isaac looked out the window and thought of the calamity. He’d never seen one and prayed that he never would. But the Cerisans were stories that he’d always thought were exaggerations. A race of decadent people who fed on blood and were once rulers of the land but were driven to seclusion by both the Norians rise to power as well as the Sanctum. Shadows of themselves but still powerful people.
“I was told the Cersians were a myth. And now you tell me they are very real. What other old stories have survived the test of time?”
Shin chuckled. “You’re living proof of another one.”
Frowning slightly Isaac nodded. “So, what’s our next move. I assume we’re going to try and leave Norian territory tonight?”
Shin nodded slowly, groaning as he stretched his arms backwards above his head. “I’m going to rest. The horses as well. Once nightfall hits we’re going to try and break Norian territory. There’s a town that’s maybe half a day’s right from here. We should aim for it next and then if we’re lucky we’ll hit the Free City.”
“The Free City?” Isaac repeated with a pause. “Aren’t they all a bunch of thieves and bandits?”
“They are. But the majority have codes. Anyone is welcome as long as you follow the rules of the city.”
Isaac made a noise and frowned about sharing space with bandits again but he remembered the Norians. Though they were as bloodthirsty as he thought, they weren’t all like that. Or even always like that. “What will I do while you sleep? I don’t think I can do that anymore.”
“You don’t. Not traditionally. But before you attempt, I’ve got things for you to get. We’re hoping to hit the Free City but the Free City moves every day. And the villages are few and far between in the desert. We’re going to need some supplies to survive.”
“What do you need me to buy?”
“Dried food. Enough for at the very least three days. Water skins for the same amount of time. A knife that can actually be used to skin a creature and not just cut its head off. A flint and a compass. My map is going to get us through the majority of the desert but it won’t hurt to have a back up plan.”
Isaac nodded quickly jotting it all down to memory before glancing at him. “Am I going to have to steal this stuff too?”
“No. Use my purse. Just don’t spend it all.”
“I know how to shop.”
Shin glanced at him sharply before grabbing his cloak again. Taking the purse he tossed it at Isaac before going to a corner of the bed and wrapping the cloak around himself like a blanket. “Don’t spend it all. Get what I asked.” With that he shut his eyes and moved away from him.
Isaac sighed looking at his partner before picking up the purse. It wasn’t heavy but he knew it wasn’t light. Peeking within its contents he saw several gold coins and a few silvers. There was definitely money within it. Where he got it, Isaac wasn’t sure. Before he left he took the sword off his hip and laid it next to Shin’s shovel.
Leaving down the steps he walked outside and there were a few people finally coming out in the streets. They were squinting at the sun but going about business. He saw a man tossing out the waste from the day before and another with buckets going off to possibly a well to fill.
Repeating the list in his mind quickly he walked toward a store marked general. When he pushed open a door and a clinking bell there was a younger girl sweeping up and a man with a clipboard taking subtly notes. He looked up at Isaac and grunted, “What ya want?”
“Um just need some supplies for a long journey. Dried food, water skins, a knife suited for skinning, A flint and compass,” he said counting off on his finger and glanced at the man. The man just stared at him grumbling under his breath a few times and nodding slowly. “Do you have that?”
“Maybe. Gotta check first. But you want dried meats you gotta talk to the butcher.”
“Alright great. I’ll stop by there next.”
“He’ll probably be puking his guts up behind his shop. Good luck getting anything good outta him,” he said shaking his head again. “Go check on him and if you’re lucky you’ll get in. Otherwise come back in an hour once I finish doin inventory.”
“That’s. Alright. Yeah I can do that,” he said. “You’ll have everything?”
“No idea. Gonna have to check the inventory first. Like I said,” he fixed a glare at him.
Raising his hands Isaac nodded. “Okay. My bad. I’ll be back.”
Leaving the store, he backed out onto the street and paused trying to figure out where his next step was going to be. “Should have asked where the butcher actually is.” He started walking in a direction and paused not liking that idea and shook his head.
“The butcher is down the street. The third one on the right.”
Looking back he saw the girl from the shop. She wasn’t that tall and from her voice she couldn’t have been more than twelve. She had blonde hair and fair skin but sharp amber eyes. She was looking at him with a gaze that was more curious than cautious.
“Oh? Thank you. That helps a lot.”
“Want me to show you the way?”
He arched his eyebrow. “Is that something you can do?”
“Mmhm. Father is doin inventory. He don’t need me around.”
“Well,” he shrugged and motioned with his hand. “Sure. I guess.”
She hopped over to him and then walked forward. After a few steps she glanced over her shoulder tp see if he was following and he was. As he watched her she was somewhat skipping forward but slowed and turned around, walking backwards with her hands behind her.
“You’re not from around here right?”
He glanced at her and nodded. “Yes, I’m passing through with a friend of mine.”
“I could tell. You don’t talk like most people around town. Or most other travelers that come through.”
Isaac smiled and nodded. Internally he forgot that he had to continue to work on his accent. Then again, they weren’t going to be in Norian territory long so maybe he could ignore it for a little while. “You talk to a lot of people that come through your shop?”
She nodded. “When father is too hung over or tired I kinda run the shop. I’m pretty good at it. Bet I could run it entirely if he’d let me.”
“Are you too young?”
“Yeah. He don’t think I’m smart enough. Don’t have business sense” she said with a forced gruff voice that he assumed was supposed to be her fathers and he chuckled. “I’ll show him though. Gonna inherit the whole store soon.”
“What’s your name?” Isaac asked and she beamed.
“My names Sophie Renalds. What about you?”
Isaac chuckled. “I’m Isaac. Isaac Grien.”
Smiling Isaac let her continue to lead them until they came to the butcher’s location. It was two buildings together One was the typical wooden structure of the town but the other was a roughly made stone building that was smaller than the other by a few feet. And in front of the stone one there was a man leaning against the wall and heaving.
The girl walked over quickly and pointed at the man. “Old man Ralph. Heavin in the morning again. You know better than to drink like that every night.”
The man turned to look at her. He was wearing a black apron, had a balding head and wrinkled face. Looking at her he scowled slightly and shook his head. “What are you doin here brat? Shouldn’t you be minding the shop?”
“Father’s doing inventory.”
He made a sound and waved a hand to make her go away. But of course she didn’t and he grunted. “What do you want? Too early to be teaching you right now.”
“Well you got a customer if you’d stop heaving your guts out.”
The butcher, Ralph, finally turned around to look at Isaac who raised an eyebrow and kept a smile on his face. The old man grunted and righted himself. Rubbing his belly he looked Isaac up and down slowly. “You’re a stranger. What you want? Rations I assume. Not hanging around long?”
“That’s exactly it,” Isaac said. “Dried meat that’ll last about three days give or take.”
“Mm. I can do that,” he said. “Probably. The cut of the meat matter?”
“Shouldn’t. Just needs to be edible.”
“Ha! Don’t say that. You’ll get thrown anything,” Sophie said and looked at Ralph. “He’s a good one. So, give him good cuts.”
“Depends. You got money stranger?” he asked.
Isaac produced the purse and Ralph nodded. “Come inside. Both of you I guess.” He said before adding under his breath. “Not gonna get rid of this girl any time soon.”
Sophie walked ahead of Ralph and entered the shop, Isaac stepping inside after the both of them. The room was cooler than outside. It was a simple square with one wall having a giant steel door and a small counter in front of it. The walls were mostly empty though one did have a shelf of some salts and spices and some tiny bags with clear plastic showing pieces of dried meats.
Ralph went behind the counter and Sophie went up to it ringing the small bell there. Ralph grumbled something under his breath and looked at the Isaac. “What do you need?”
“I need some dried meat that’ll last about three days. For about two people,” he said holding his fingers up.
Ralph nodded slowly. “I have that. Freshly salted from the other night. Had a good cow brought in the other night. You’re in luck in that regard.”
“Do you have any pork?” Sophie asked then looked over at Isaac. “Pork is really good when salted. Better than beef.”
“Stop telling people that,” Ralph glared at the little girl and scowled. “It’s not true. She just likes beef and hates it when I run out.”
Isaac chuckled softly and nodded his head. “Well it doesn’t matter in that regard. Whichever. Neither me or my friend are that picky.”
Ralph nodded before moving toward the massive door. Spinning the lock slowly he opened the door with a hiss. Cold air flowed outward and Ralph stepped into the cooled refrigerator. From his angle he could see some slabs of meat hanging from the ceiling. He hadn’t seen a butcher like this one before. Most in the Sanctum were underground.
He could vaguely hear another box opening in the distance and a few minutes later Ralph returned with several strips of meat. Some were red and some were pinker. He brought them in on wraps. Going to one of his shelves he got some lightly salt and peppered the meat before wrapping it. Getting another bag he slid the two sets of wraps within and then tied the bag.
“This should be enough for you to keep you from going hungry. Have with bread and drink for a good meal.”
“Do you sell bread?”
“No check with her father.”
“The baker should be making some fresh soon,” Sophie said. “I can take you there next.”
Nodding he smiled and then looked back at Ralph. “How much for it?”
“Three silver. I should be charging you more but that child will not let me hear the end of it.” Sophie stuck her tongue out at him and he waved a fist at her. “You cost me money girl.”
“You over charge for your goods. You and father both.”
“Times are hard. Everyone has to do things to make ends meet. Will you pay or not?” Ralph asked and Isaac nodded.
Opening the purse, he produced three silver coins and handed them over to the man. He took one, looked it over then bit it then nodded. “Very good,” he said putting it away under the counter.
Picking up the bag of meat he held it tightly and glanced at Sophie. “Alright my new friend. The baker is next?”
“indeed. This way Isaac. See you later Ralph!” Waving at him she hopped out of the shop and he followed her. She stood and put her hands to her eyes to block the rising sun. There was more activity out now. People walking with mules and pulling carts. Some people cleaning out blankets, others going into shops, and more to the bar.
“People gamble a lot there. Drinking coffee or beer.”
“You sound like you’re one of them.”
“Gosh never. I ain’t stupid enough to waste my money on gamblin. Father does though. Doesn’t know how to stop sometimes.”
They walked past the bar and a few more buildings before stopping. This one he could smell a sweet aroma coming from it. There was smoke coming from the top of it and he knew a bakery when he saw one. The fire place was beside the wall and it was much larger with a stack of firewood neatly piled to continue the fires.
As they stepped inside another woman was in front of them. A man on the other side wearing all white handed her a small wrap with a lightly browned sweet peeking out. The woman took a bite and let out a soft moan. “So tasty. I couldn’t start a morning with one of your fresh jelly filled sweets.”
The man behind the counter laughed softly. “I’m glad you like them. You’re one of my favorite customers so I’ll have one fresh for you every day.”
“I’ll keep coming back just for that,” she said taking another bite and turned to leave. When she saw Isaac she got a little apprehensive then looked down at Sophie and immediately broke into a smile. “If it isn’t Sophie. How are you doing this morning?”
“I am doing great. Showing around my new friend here. He’s a traveler and needs some supplies,” she pointed at Isaac and he smiled sheepishly.
“Well I see you’ve been hoodwinked by her too. Don’t let her drag you around the entire town now. She loves meeting new people.”
Isaac chuckled and nodded. “Just getting some small things we need. And she’s been good company so far.”
“Smart as a whip this girl.”
“That she is,” the man behind the counter added.
“Well I’m on my way. Have a good day both of you. And thanks again!”
She walked out the bakery and Sophie walked straight over to the counter and tapped the little bell. “My friend is going to need some traveling bread. Enough for three days. And some fresh bread for today. I know you just made some and I want a piece.”
“Is that the correct order?” the baker asked chuckling and looking toward Isaac.
“Yes, to both. I haven’t had some warm bread in a long time.”
“The traveling bread will only be a silver. The fresh pieces though are my treat for Sophie and her friend.”
Sophie grinned, “Yes. You’re the best John.”
John chuckled shaking his head slowly. “Alright. I’ll be back.” John walked to a back room that let out the sensation of heat as well as more sweet smells of fresh bread. Sophie moved around her eyes around the corners of the room and tried to look busy and Isaac noticed this curiously.
“So John. Has Mikael been to work yet?”
“Mikael? I don’t think so. I think today’s the day he’s supposed to come in late.”
“Oh,” Sophie seemed a little deflated. “Well that’s alright.”
“Who’s Mikael?” Isaac asked curiously.
“He’s my helper. He’s about Sophie’s age actually. They talk a few times and get along.” John said walking back in with a clear plastic bag. The bread itself was dark brown a thin. It was tied tightly and he handed them over to Isaac. He touched it and it was firmer.
“Interesting. I’ve never seen bread like this.”
“It’s a specific way to bake the wheat. It keeps longer even without preservatives or a cool storage place. Though it doesn’t keep forever. Three days though should be fine” he said and then smiled toward Sophie. “And don’t worry. I’ll send him over to your shop once he’s working. I’m sure he’d be happy to see you.”
Her face turned a soft shade of red and she shook her head. “No no. That’s alright. Don’t gotta do that. Not at all,” she said looking down then grabbing Isaac’s arm. “Come on. Father’s probably done doin inventory now anyway.”
She pulled him forward and then started pushing him out of the door in a hurry. “Hey wait what about the bread?” Isaac said shocked and she was shaking her head quickly.
“Nope that’s fine. I’ll see you ya later John,” she said and was outside.
Isaac let himself get pushed out and chuckled at her reaction. He knew that look on her face and decided not to tease her at all. Instead he kept walking and let her push him all the way to the general store.
Though she stopped pushing part way through she was looking at him curiously. “You know you’re kinda heavy for someone that looks like you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re kinda pale. Look like you’re sick or getting there. Should you be out runnin errands?”
Isaac looked down and away from her before smiling. “It’s just my skin. I’m fine.”
When they walked in her father was behind the counter and he had a sack on the counter. “Whole thing’s gonna cost you a silver and two gold.”
“Father stop over charging everyone that comes through here,” Sophie said with a glare. “It’s only two gold.”
He scowled at his daughter and shook his head. “You let everyone go through here with fair prices and we won’t ever make money on this. Especially in this drought.”
“We’ll get better. Things will bounce back. We’d do better if you’d stop gambling so often.” She added under her breath but walked to the counter and got the sack before handing it over to Isaac. “This is everything. You and your friend should be good for whatever trip you’re going to go on.”
Isaac opened the purse and handed over the coins before he took it. Holding the three bags together he glanced at her father before smiling at Sophie. “Thank you for showing me around today. I would have been lost and taken much longer otherwise.”
“It’s no problem. You were good company,” she said smiling and putting her hands on her hips. “Better then when the Norian soldiers come here like they’re entitled everything in our shops.”
Isaac glanced at her. “They do that?”
“All the time,” she said and glowered. “And we can’t do nothin bout it if we want to keep things in order. But that’s besides the point now.”
Isaac nodded slowly and offered a small smile. “If we come back through I’ll make sure to try say hello. Also say hello to Mikael for me,” he added with a tease.
She blushed harder and shook her head with a smirk. “I’ll do that for you.”
He waved to her one more time and then walked out of the store. Going back to the room he glanced at the sun. From the angle that it hung it was barely noon and not much better than that. Shin would have been asleep by then and the horses getting whatever rest that they were going to.
So, he went back to the inn. Waving at the worker when he saw him he took the stairs and then walked in. Sure enough Shin hadn’t moved, fast asleep against the corner of the bed. Even asleep his face was frowning hard. Isaac got the impression that if he made any sudden movements Shin would be awake and ready to hex him or something.
Setting the food down in the corner of the room he went toward the bed and sat down. As he sat he felt heavy. Not tired but something else. Leading his head forward he dragged a hand through his hair and wondered what Shin meant by he could sleep but it wouldn’t be the same.
“Maybe I should try it. Just to get used to it,” he mumbled to himself.
Scooting back on the bed so that his back was to the wall, he brought one leg up to his chest and let his head fall forward. Wrapping his arms around himself he closed his eyes and slowed his breathing as if he were going to sleep. Slowly his awareness of his surroundings fell away.
It was strange, he was aware that he wasn’t focusing anymore but his mind felt peaceful. He didn’t have to dwell where he was. He felt it wander far away from this small inn in Noria and travel across the barren desert of the waste and back to the Sanctum. In the garden that he and Hector shared.
He could hear the bells of the Sanctum and the sound of people talking as they made their way to a service. The sounds of children complaining to their parents or fighting with their friends. He could hear Hector humming his hymns in their home coming to retrieve him and drag him away to a service. If Isaac could stay in that moment forever he could and he desperately wanted to.
But suddenly he was shaking and blinked his eyes opened quickly. Shivering he glanced at Shin who was standing over him with his usual frown. The window was dark and no light flowed from within it. Grunting Isaac stretched his arms forward and took a few steps forward. “What happened? What time is it?”
“It’s time for us to leave.”
“What happened to me? Did I fall asleep?”
“Yes, you slept”
“I thought I couldn’t do that.”
“You did the equivalent. Going into a trance.”
“A trance?”
“Yes. Not true sleep but more like dwelling in memories. Similar to meditation”
Isaac tried to think on it before shaking his head. “Something like prayer then. I was never really good at that when I was young. Part of why I was brought into the army rather early.”
“You were brought in? And here I thought you volunteered for your service.”
Isaac smiled slightly but shook his head. “I know I give off that impression but no. I didn’t want to be in the army. I was an orphan growing up and I got into a lot of fights. And after some time, they decided the best way to deal with me was to force discipline on me one way or another. And that is how I got enlisted.”
Shin laughed for a minute shaking his head. “Wow. You were actually forced into service because you couldn’t control your temper. I think I might like you more than before.”
Isaac made a face at that comment. “I wasn’t forced. A commander at the time, John, recommended it for me. Said it would be a good use for my anger. I’ve mellowed out since then so he was right. It was a good experience for me. I haven’t seen him in many years but I want to show him how far I’ve come.”
“That’s what they all say,” Shin rewrapped his cloak around himself so that it rested on his shoulders. Getting his shovel he slid it through the straps so that it fit against his back. Once it was comfortable he crouched and went through the supplies and then the sack itself. “Good. You got everything I asked. And didn’t spend all my money either.”
“I told you I had it taken care of,” Isaac walked over and picked up his sword and strapped it against his waist again. “So is traveling at night going to be the normal thing?”
“Possibly. Depends on how our travels go,” he said and left the room with the bags over his shoulder. “Keep up.”
Isaac cleaned up what was left but Shin had already left the key on the counter. Isaac left out the front door and had to jog to finally catch up with him and the pair almost ran into the boy. He looked startled and even under the moonlight they could see the red on his face. He brushed some hair back and smiled at them. “Hey. Time for you to check out?”
“Yeah. Keys on the desk,” Shin said and arched his eyebrow. “What were you doing out here now?”
“Oh nothing. Just. Well I saw the horses earlier and they seemed a little hungry so I wanted to give them some grain and an apple. Or two. Beautiful animals those two. Couldn’t resist.” He finally said and smiled.
“That they are,” Isaac said. “It’s been a nice stay. Thank you.” Shin kept walking to the stables. The boy looked at him and his face fell slightly but Isaac pat him on the shoulder with a shake of his head. “Don’t mind him. He’s just kinda like that.”
“He’s like most Norians. But you’re a kinder sort. I like you. I hope you two remain safe out there,” he said and waved.
Shin had saddled up Coal and was brushing her hair back. Pulling himself onto her back he glanced at Isaac. “You’re carrying the food bags. I’ll have the rest.” Sure enough Soot already had the food on her sides. She looked at him with a wary look but it wasn’t the same as before. When he approached she didn’t retreat and even greeted him with a chuff.
He gave a small smile at this little bit of progress and climped onto her back slowly. Maneuvering the reins and getting comfortable he urged her forward and joined Coal’s side. Coal stamped the ground almost impatiently and Shin glanced at the horse with a chuckle.
“I guess it’s time for us to get going.”
The Harlequin Library 