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Kian’s expression remained somber. “Then go prepare yourself. We leave shortly.”
I hurried back to my dwelling, my heart pounding with exhilaration. Finally, a chance to prove I wasn’t just some helpless alien in need of coddling. A chance to show Kian what I was really made of.
Chapter 7
Kate
I woke before dawn, a nervous energy thrumming through me. Today was the day we would ride out to find the rustler camp. Kian and the other Surlon men were making final preparations for the dangerous mission ahead. As an outsider, I knew I had to prove my worth to be accepted here. Tracking down these outlaws was my chance to show I could handle myself and contribute meaningfully beyond cooking and doing laundry.
I dressed in the rugged leather clothes given to me, sturdy boots, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield my fair skin from Surlon’s harsh suns. My blonde hair was braided back tightly. I splashed cool water on my face, readying myself. In my belt was a knife Alya gifted me. I hoped I wouldn’t need to use it.
Outside, Kian, Wyatt, Lance and the other Surlon men were saddling up powerful siroccos. I approached my assigned mount, a dapple gray sirocco mare named Willow. Through the Surlons’ psychic connection, Willow sensed my apprehension. She nuzzled my hand reassuringly. I smiled and stroked her soft fur, then swung up into the saddle.
Kian rode over on his jet black sirocco stallion. His sharp eyes assessed me critically. “Remember, stay close and don’t take any unnecessary risks,” he warned. I nodded, tightening my gloved hands on the reins.
Our group set off, thundering across the desert plain as the twin suns rose over the distant red mountains. My heart pounded with exhilaration. Riding these magnificent animals made me feel truly free, like I could outrun any trouble. I glanced at Kian riding tall and proud beside me, his white hair blowing in the wind. My cheeks grew warm and I quickly looked away.
By mid-morning, we reached the edge of a deep canyon maze. Kian halted our group. “The rustler camp could be hidden somewhere in these canyons,” he said. “We’ll split up to cover more ground. Kate, scout ahead and see what you can find.”
This was my chance. I intended to prove my skills and earn the Surlons’ respect. With a reassuring pat to Willow, I set off into the shadows of the canyon. The dry earth muffled Willow’s footsteps as we rode through the canyon. My senses strained, alert for any sign of the rustlers.
Rounding a bend, I spotted a thin tendril of smoke rising from a canyon up ahead. Willow and I crept closer until I reached a vantage point hidden behind a boulder. Peering down, I could see a makeshift camp nestled against the canyon wall. Rough-looking Surlon men in ragged clothes lounged around fires, while siroccos grazed on patches of dry grass. It had to be the rustler hideout.
My pulse quickened, but I urged Willow to remain perfectly still so I could study their movements. There were about fifteen rustlers that I could count, all armed with knives and crude rifles. Then I noticed they had a corral at the back filled with animals - obviously stolen livestock.
I slowly backed Willow away. My heart hammered as I considered my next move. I’d found the rustler camp, but now I needed to get this vital intelligence back to Kian and the others.
Just as I was about to turn Willow around, shouts rang out from above. I jerked my head up to see three rustlers on horseback peering down from the canyon rim. They’d spotted me!
“It’s the alien girl!” one yelled. “Get her!”
They spurred their mounts down the steep trail toward me. I had no choice but to flee. “Let’s go, girl!” I shouted to Willow. She sprang into a gallop as I gripped the reins tightly. We tore through the canyon, the thunder of pursuing hooves echoing behind us. I ducked low in the saddle, pushing Willow to her limits. Grit stung my eyes.
The rustlers were gaining. A bullet ricocheted off the canyon wall just ahead of us - they were shooting! Willow squealed in terror but kept running.
We rounded a bend and I spotted a narrow gap in the rock face. “This way!” I veered Willow toward it. She barely squeezed through the tight space as I clung desperately to her side. Behind us, I heard shouts and curses as the rustlers were forced to slow their pursuit.
We burst out the other side into a wider canyon that sloped steeply upward in a series of switchbacks. Urging Willow on, I aimed for the heights. She dug in her hooves and charged up the incline, sides heaving from exertion.
Halfway up, I risked a glance back. The rustlers had made it through the gap and were climbing fast. Another shot zinged by my shoulder, spurring Willow to run faster.
At last we crested the ridge. An open plain stretched before us with scattered desert scrub. I leaned low over Willow’s neck, letting her pick the path as she galloped all out across the rugged terrain. The rustlers had fallen back, unable to keep pace with Willow’s speed and stamina. Still, I didn’t dare slow down. We had to get back to Kian with the location of the rustler camp. Willow ran tirelessly, seeming to sense the urgency.
After several miles with no sign of pursuit, I finally eased her into a trot to catch our breath. My heart still raced from the close call. Gazing back across the empty plain, I saw no sign of the rustlers. Somehow we’d managed to lose them.
I leaned forward to stroke Willow’s sweat-dampened neck. “Good girl,” I murmured, filled with gratitude for her efforts. She tossed her head and whickered softly, as if to say we make a pretty good team. Smiling proudly, I turned her toward the rendezvous point where Kian awaited us. I couldn’t wait to tell him what I’d discovered. Thanks to Willow, we now had the advantage we needed over the rustlers.
I rode up to the rendezvous point, my heart still pounding with adrenaline. Kian and the others turned to look at me in surprise as I reined Willow in.
“You’re back early,” Kian said, frowning. “Did you find anything?”
I nodded, catching my breath. “I found the rustler camp, hidden deep in one of the canyons to the east. I was able to get close enough to scout their position before they spotted me.”
Kian’s eyes widened in alarm. “They saw you? Are you all right?” His sharp gaze searched me for any signs of injury.
“I’m fine,” I assured him. “Willow and I were able to outrun them once they gave chase.”
I quickly described the layout of the canyon hideout - the lookout points, the corrals of stolen animals, the crude defenses and weapons. Kian and the other Surlon men listened intently, asking questions to gain a clear picture of what we were up against.
