Jace
At midday we stopped to rest. The sun was particularly hot, the horses were sweaty, and so were the people. While Maggie and the men collapsed in the shade, Kaida quietly took Gerald’s reins and walked him toward the tiny trickle of a stream for another drink.
I told myself I was following her because Shadow, my black gelding, also needed more water.
It was not a convincing lie. Shadow had already drunk his fill. I had watered my horse twenty minutes ago while the others sorted themselves.
I picked up his reins and followed her anyway.
She had slipped away from the group quietly, leading Gerald downstream. I had watched her go and felt a slight panic when she was out of sight. I told myself it was merely professional diligence. It was my duty to keep her safe, and deliver her unh
