Page 189 of Disillusioned
Sniffling, Yanna faced the moor, her hands shielding her eyes from the dying sun. “Is that… Albrecht’s horse?” She frowned. “Garin’s horse?”
Lilac spun. Galloping at them at full speed—surely faster than she’d seen any steed move—was Loïg. As he neared they exchanged glances; Yanna nervously backed out of the way and Myrddin watched, open-mouthed.
Loïg slowed to a trot, then came to rest before them.
It looked like an apparition, shrouded in a layer of dark mist floating just above his coat, following him with every movement.
“Mother Modron,” Myrddin cried.
Loïg dipped his head, bowing before them.
“This is my horse. Garin gifted it to me for my birthday.” Breathless, Lilac couldn’t help but laugh out loud, moisture welling in her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she whispered. Cautiously, she reached a hand up to stroke the steed’s snout; the moment her hand made contact, the dark mist lessened in the fading sunlight. He was not an apparition, but she was certain, more than anything, that he was magic.
Loïg remained kneeling, as if encouraging them to mount.
Incredulous, Lilac rounded Loïg and stepped into the stirrup, lifting herself onto him gracefully. She held a hand down for Yanna, who stood frozen in place, watching the horse warily. “He’s safe. I promise.”
Yanna looked like she didn’t know whether to sob or laugh. She wiped her eyes and turned back to face the field of bodies, hesitant. “He isn’t here. His body isn’t here.”
“He must be safe, then,” Lilac said reassuringly, hoping it was true. “You will be reunited with him. Wewillfind him, but for now, I can’t leave you here. I won’t.”
With one last parting glance, Yanna scowled and crammed her foot in the stirrup while taking Lilac’s hand. She cursed violently under her breath as she made herself comfortable behind her.
“Did you summon him for me, Myrddin?” Lilac asked as Yanna held her hand out to him.
“No, but I think you did.” Myrddin cocked his head and slowly, with his hands out as if to show the creature he was harmless, made his way to the back. “Where did Garin say he got this horse again?”
“He didn’t.”
Myrddin grunted dubiously as he lifted himself with both of their help and settled in behind Yanna.
Mesmerized, Lilac ran her hand along Loïg’s striking black mane, the strange dark ether rising off of him swirling at her fingertips in the deep afternoon sun. “Where did you come from, and how did you know where to find us?”
“Whatever it is, it’s tied to you. Do you even know how to steer a horse? Magic, or no?” Myrddin asked.
“I don’t.” Garin must have mentioned it to them. Her heart sank, but adrenaline pulsed through her now. She would either learn or figure out a way. “Do you?”
“Why would I need to learn if I’ve been able to teleport my whole life?”
She ignored him,a glimmer of hope spreading through her as she stroked the horse’s mane and down to the intricately woven and sturdy saddle. There was a thick rope attached to his face.
Yanna sighed loudly. “Take the rein just there. Bunch it loosely in your fists. Just there… good. Now, squeeze him with your legs.”
Lilac did as she was told.
“Harder.”
She did, and nearly lost her balance as Loïg sped up; Myrddin shrieked and held onto Yanna, who grasped for Lilac’s middle.
“Whoa,” said Yanna, and he eased his pace.
Despite everything, Lilac found herself laughing. She was doing it. Lilac pulled on the reins with her right hand, and Loïg easily pivoted that way. She tugged left, and he did that, too.
Myrddin let out a disgruntled sound as Lilac steered them in a wide, perfect circle atop the knoll. “Why, you’re a natural. Garin said you’d need childrens’ lessons—how are you doing this?”
“I don’t know,” shouted Lilac. “I feel I could use some practice. He seems a very mild-mannered, if not completely agreeable, horse.”
“Foryou. Garin could barely pet the thing without it trying to take his fingers off. I think you of all people would appreciate knowing vampires are not regenerative and do not grow back any of their appendages.”
