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Upon reaching the stables, the Hiikas and leather hit my nostrils.
But among that familiar smell, there was also the reek of nervous sweat from the stablehand as he watched our hurried approach.
“No more rides tonight!” the young stablehand protested, his voice shaky, his eyes darting to the shadows as if he too sensed the change in the air.
“We need the Hiikas. Now.” My voice was firm, but not threatening.
I didn’t want to intimidate the boy, but there was an urgency I hoped he could understand.
He hesitated, taking in my determined expression and the frightened look on Isla’s face. “It’s too dark,” he stammered, glancing up at the night sky, where only the glow of the Zireflyes provided any light. “You could fall, hurt yourselves. I can’t allow it.”
“Listen to me,” I said, stepping closer, allowing the ambient glow from a nearby lantern to illuminate my face.
I took a deep breath, tasting the slightly dusty air of the stables, mingled with the earthiness of the Hiikas. “We don’t have time to argue. It’s important. Life and death.”
His eyes widened, and he took a hesitant step back.
His hand moved defensively towards a metal rod kept to control unruly Hiikas.
Seeing this, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a handful of shiny credits — more than a stablehand would see in many months.
The metallic discs clinked softly together. “This is for you,” I whispered, placing them into his outstretched, trembling hand. “We’ll take two Hiikas, and you won’t tell anyone they’re gone. Can we trust you?”
The boy gulped, his fingers closing around the credits.
They felt cold and heavy in his grasp, a testament to their worth.
For a moment, greed and fear waged a battle in his eyes.
But then, with a reluctant nod, he said:
“All right. But be careful. I’ll want them back by morning.”
“I trust they can find their own way back?” I asked.
He nodded.
I helped Isla onto one, securing her with gentle hands, reassuring her with a brief, comforting squeeze.
The sensation of her hand gripping mine provided a brief respite, a reminder of why I was so desperate to get away.
Once atop our Hiikas, I gave a nod of gratitude to the stablehand.
He watched us, the weight of the credits and the weight of the secret equally heavy in his mind.
As the Hiikas moved, their rhythmic cadence was somewhat soothing.
The cool breeze as we sped along carried with it the mixed fragrances of the flora, slightly tangy and refreshing.
The only light came from the path-side plants and the Zireflyes, which seemed to dance around us as if guiding our way.
Beside me, I could hear Isla’s breathing, slightly rapid due to the mix of fear and exhilaration. “Thillak,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “What’s happening? Why are we running?”
I wished I could reassure her with words, but now wasn’t the time.
Instead, I reached over, intertwining my fingers with hers.
The touch was enough for now — a promise that I would explain, that I would always protect her.
