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“I–I cannot—” I pant between shallow breaths.I am not skilled enough to ride in this condition.
I will help.This time, Varin’s words are quieter, sparing me from the ill effects.
There’s no time to argue. Unease tingles down my spine at the prospect of being controlled… what if they refuse to let go after? But to rely on my lack of riding skill is the more immediate danger.
The barn is thick with the aromatic scent of warm grains and oats. At the front are the favored horses. The space outside their stalls has the most elegant tack. Their restlessness is discomforting. I pass them all and stop before the black horse at the end. She is the only one facing away and utterly unalarmed.
She is small and appears lethargic. We will need a steed that can run.
Gently, I slide open the stall. I smile when she notices me and walks over. The mare pauses just out of arm’s reach, her nostrils flare, probably sensing Varin’s presence inside me.
“It’s all right.” I speak in low, even tones and advance half a step at a time. “I am still me.”
She eyes me and snorts, but extends her muzzle, inhaling.
“There is a demon with me, but they are a good demon. You two will like each other.” I am rambling now because I’m not sure what else to do.
You are aware that this is nothing more than an average horse? They are stupid beasts, incapable of understanding speech beyond basic commands. Utter nonsense would have the same effect in that tone.
Whether or not she understands or senses my intentions, she presses her velvety nose into my hand. I stroke her neck, continuing to murmur before I attempt to saddle her.
“Ignore them,” I say, partially to the animal and partially to nettle Varin. “They are cranky because they’ve been trapped for a long time.”
She bobs her head, and I smirk. It was perfect timing, though it still looks like she agrees with me.
Maybe she is more intelligent than you give her credit for,I tease inwardly.
You’re wasting time with this nag.
I fight the pull of Varin trying to steer me away.If we must ride, then this is the horse we will take.Then, aloud, I address her. “How long has it been since they let you out? Would you like to go on an adventure?”
Can it even move faster than a walk?Varin quips. The phantom prickle of talons along my scalp makes my eye twitch. If only they had turned into a bat or another small creature, I could have stuffed them in a saddlebag until they decided to be halfway pleasant.
Don’t mistake her small stature and calm demeanor for weakness.
I step back and reach for the harness on the other side of the stall. When I try to slip it on, she lifts her head. The wasted seconds ticking by leave slivers of apprehension behind, building upon the ones that came before. Each one a reminder that time is a luxury we don’t have. If we aren’t already too late.
However, considering this animal will have my life in her hands—hooves—soon, I don’t want to risk upsetting her.
Varin is doing the mental equivalent of pacing, grumbling about stupid animals. With a bit of coaxing, I’m able to get her ready without too much effort.
Just as I lead her out of the stable, a woman’s scream tears through the courtyard, cutting off abruptly.
Damn Elizabeth to the Otherworld.
I mount the mare with Varin’s unexpected help. The movement causes her to prance sideways, then seeming to realize I am firmly in place, she bobs her head and swishes her tail.
I have precious little knowledge about horses, but I choose to interpret that to mean she is not entirely thrilled with this development.
“Sorry, girl,” I murmur, reaching to pat her shoulder. It seems to help a bit.
We do not have time for such foolishness,Varin snarls. Unless you want the three of us to die together, hand over control.
I wince from the harshness of their demand, scraping against the inside of my skull. I’m not sure if this is something I could ever get used to… or want to get used to, for that matter.
Be gentle with her, please.I plead.
With my next breath, I surrender to Varin’s will.
