“Aye, I slaughtered them on the ground, their blood rolling intae the dirt, their souls driven tae the depths of hell tae burn in the fire of eternity. I did it tae avenge ye, as I promised.”
I huffed. “Well, um…that’s not. Not really what I wanted to happen…”
“Ye dinna want me tae avenge ye?”
“I mean, yes, but… I’m not really okay with murder.”
“They would hae done worse tae ye, tae me, tae yer brother, tae yer family, the world is better that they hae been ended.”
He rolled his arm around, stretching his shoulder. “It took a great deal of effort tae do it.”
“Well, I appreciate that, I suppose, but I’m still pissed.”
“Tis fine, ye daena hae tae like me, but I am goin’ tae protect ye anyway.” He began walking through the woods, then stopped when I didn’t follow. “Ye comin’?”
“No, I can’t tell where we’re going, where are we going?”
“Tae get tae the horses.”
I exhaled.
He said, “I canna throw ye over m’shoulder, I am exhausted from the battle. I need ye tae walk tae the horses and then we will ride.”
“Fine, but... can I hold onto you? It’s really dark.”
“Aye.” He put out his hand and I took it. And as he drew me deeper into the woods, I wrapped my hands around his arm and clung to him as he picked our path and pushed branches away so I could pass unharmed.
Finally we came to the edge of a field where two horses stood in the moonlight.
2
LEXI
RIDING THROUGH THE NIGHT
He rubbed the tallest horse’s forehead. “These are fine horses, and they hae saddlebags, so we may hae gained valuables as well.”
“I don’t know how to ride.”
His brow raised. “Ye canna ride a horse?”
“No, it’s… not something I learned to do. I mean, I rode one once at a birthday party, but…”
“Tis nae matter, we will share a horse, twill be safer, in case we are followed.” As he spoke he drew me toward the beast. “Put yer hand here, dost ye see?”
“Not really, can’t see, but can tell what you mean.” I put my hand there, and then he lifted my foot up. “Put yer weight on m’hand.” He hoisted. “Swing yer leg.” Then, as I settled down in the saddle, he said, “Aye, ye did good.”
I set my jaw and raised my chin again. I was still so mad, it was infuriating to be mad at him, yet totally dependent.
“Where’s Dude?”
“He’s behind us in the woods, he inna sure if this field is safe yet.”
I followed his eyes, but couldn’t see the cat in the dark edge of the woods. “I don’t think he can walk fast enough to keep up with a horse. Should we give him a ride?”
“Aye, I agree.” Torin opened one of the saddlebags and adjusted the contents. “I think this will work if he puts up with it.”
“But you are not allowed to leave me to go get him, so you’ll have to let me down off this beast?—”
