Hesitating, I wondered if it would be a good idea to take her. She would be easily recognised with her white hair coat and
stunning blue eyes.
“I’m sorry, girl, I wish I could take you with me, but it's best for you to stay here.”
She huffed as I kissed her sweet nose. Turning away from her, a sigh left my lips. I hadn't had long to bond with her, but I
would terribly miss her. I selected one of the horses from the other box stalls that was ready and tacked for a ride. I assumed
she was a guard's horse, one that was prepared for this evening's patrol. I took one of the cloaks hanging over the stall, along
with a satchel and an empty flask. They had little provisions, but they would do for the time being.
Once mounted, we quickly and quietly exited the stable, heading down the back pathway. It was one of the paths Morg
showed me the other day. Once the castle lights were dim in the distance, I lightly tapped my ankles into the horse’s side, and
we took to a gallop.
here hadn't been any guards stationed around the castle grounds borders. Perhaps Nicholas was such a terrifying king, no one
Tdared enter his lands. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if that were the case. A king was supposed to be scary. Or at
least that’s what Norok would believe after reading stories of our grandparents.
Slowing down to a trot, I pulled the cloak up closer around my head. I could only hope and pray to the Goddess that no one
would jump out and try to harm me or my horse. Perhaps there would be an inn somewhere nearby. I just hoped they would take
jewellery as payment.
Darkness set with the rising moon, making me grow more anxious, wondering if this was a bad idea after all. If I turned
back now, I could possibly make it back without anyone noticing I’d left, or make up some excuse about getting lost on the
grounds.
Shaking the thought from my head, I pushed onwards. This was for the greater good. I could do this. I’d read enough books
to know that this is what you did. To start an adventure one must leave the comforts they clung to.
We had been travelling for hours riding through rain when we finally came across a small village. It wasn't the city I
believed I was heading to, but a rather quiet, unsettling place.
Although fear was telling me to keep moving, I desperately needed to rest. It had already been a long journey. I wasn't
accustomed to riding this long, especially at night in the rain. Under my skirts I could feel the dirt and mud caked up the length
of my legs. My feet were frozen, as were my hands. Perhaps I should have changed first before making my escape, or at least
grabbed a pair of gloves.
Coming across a stone building, I could hear a rather loud ruckus coming from it. I assumed it was a tavern and I hoped,
begged, and prayed to the Goddess of Light to help me in my hour of need. Dismounting my horse, I tied her to the guard rail
outside then made my way in.
