Chapter 8
Torr cursed as Rosiesped away, Cat upon her back. He dug his heels into Hercules' side, aiming to chase after Cat and grab her from the mare.
But, instead of charging forward, Hercules snorted and turned about in a rearing motion. The warhorse was ready for combat. Torr clung tightly to the saddle and reins to keep his seat.
A wolf sped past in a gray blur.
"What the devil?"
Torr urged Hercules forward into the unnatural pursuit of a predator. But he had trained his warhorse well for fighting. He lowered himself over the horse's neck and guided him to chase after Cat. He prayed she could stay in the saddle.
Why on earth would a lone wolf target the much larger mare? He had to catch up to Cat and grab her before the horse threw her onto the rocks scattered about everywhere. She was still hanging on, thank the saints.
Torr was gaining ground, Hercules' hooves pounding just behind the wolf, ready to trample it. The wolf abruptly veered off the trail and into the wood, disappearing amongst the bracken.
"Damnable beast!" Torr shouted.
Cat's mount galloped ever faster, and he followed.
Several moments later, apparently sensing the danger was gone, the mare slowed to a trot. Cat tugged on the reins. When Rosie stopped, Cat threw her leg over and leapt off.
Exhaling with relief, he drew up beside her and jumped to the ground. Immediately, he yanked Cat into his arms. "Saints, lass," he hissed, thankful she appeared fine. He had not realized how much he'd feared for her life.
Trembling, she inhaled deeply and held onto him. A moment later, she sounded as if she were gasping. "I cannot breathe."
"Pray pardon." He loosened his arms. What was wrong with him? Was he trying to crush her?
"'Tis all right." She hugged him a bit more firmly. "Was that a wolf?" she asked.
"Indeed. Are you well?"
"Aye."
"I'm glad you were able to stay in the saddle. You're a skilled rider."
She pulled back to gaze up at him, her sky-blue eyes bright. "When I was twelve summers, my pony bolted and threw me off. I had a few bruises, but naught was broken. After that, Brodie taught me how to stay in the saddle regardless of how fast the horse galloped."
"Thank the saints," Torr murmured, glad Brodie had trained her for some of life's challenges. 'Twas why she'd ridden better than most people would have.
"I had no inkling wolves lived here." She glanced around, fear still glinting in her eyes.
"They're rare these days. You'll ride with me from now on. Rosie is too skittish, and the wolf may return. Attempting to attack a healthy horse with humans present, the beast must be desperate for food."
Cat nodded. "But surely, 'twould be easier for it to catch a hare."
"Indeed, but mayhap it smelled our bread and cheese and followed the scent."
They neared his mount.
"Is Hercules ever skittish?" she asked.
"Nay, he fears naught. If he senses a threat, he's ready to fight. In fact, he would've trampled that wolf if he could've gotten closer to it."
Her eyes widened. "Oh."
He led the mare forward. "We've only had Rosie a short while. I see now she's nay trustworthy."
"But she's sweet!" Cat stroked her neck. "You cannot blame her for being spooked by a wolf. I was terrified too."
