Page 32 of The Empire and the Wolf King

I said, “We could put Ash on Mario, she could ride tae?—”

She said, “No way, I’m scared of horses. I cannot ride alone.”

“Och nae, ofhorses? What is there tae be afraid of?”

“They’re big and alive and they are mistrustful of me, you can see it in their eyes.”

“Tis too bad Mario has tae hear ye besmirchin’ him.” I added, “And ye arna thinking on it right, ye wouldna be askin’ Mario tae trust ye, he ismyhorse. If he gives ye a ride, twill be as a favor tae me, ye daena hae tae think on him at all. He is my horse, nae yers.”

“Oh, sure, yeah, that might help. But still...”

Uncle Lochie said, “Tis fine, Ash, I am nae goin’ tae put ye alone on the horse. If we are chased, Archie will ride Mario tae the stone circle, he’s the only one who kens where the vessel is.”

I turned around tae watch behind us as we walked. “Unfortunately I daena remember where the stone circle is. We need tae pray they...”

I glanced at Ash and dinna finish.

She asked, “They... what?”

I said, “Naething, I daena want tae scare ye.”

“It’s fine, I’m not scared, I’ve served in the military.”

Uncle Lochie said, “Archie is worried they will catch up and kill us or kidnap us.”

“Oh,” she looked behind us, “and we’ve got no weapons, that is scary.”

I said, “Told ye.”

We could hear the rumble of horse hooves approaching.

We all looked at each other and began tae run.

I called tae them, “Who dost ye think tis, time travelers or the men of the castle?”

Uncle Lochie called back as he raced, “I think tis time travelers!”

“Aye, I think so too, I am goin’ tae fight! Protect yer lass, if I daena return?—”

Uncle Lochie said, “I daena ken where the other vessel is, daena die!”

“I will do m’best!”

I mounted Mario, turned him around, and raced away, barreling toward the men followin’ us. Mario’s hooves thundered against the earth, matching the frantic beat of my heart.

“Mario, we are goin’ tae fight, ye ready tae kick some arse?”

He whinnied.

Branches whipped at m’face as we weaved around trees. I could hear shouts from the men ahead.

“Almost there, Mario! They’re in m’sights.”

I drew my sword and raised it above me as I charged against five men — they suddenly turned and raced away.

I slowed, stunned, then made chase, but finally drew Mario tae stop.

We couldna catch them, there was nae reason beyond a death wish tae chase them, they might be planning tae entrap?—

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