Page 46 of A Tempest of Shadows

Some foals, that would bring good money to the family soon, were already in the fields with their mothers, and more mares still had heavy bellies. It looked like they would have a prosperous birthing season.

I didn’t know if the manor was starting to deteriorate because of neglect or something else. Ellery’s travel into the labyrinth, and her mother’s willingness to let her daughter help me with my hunt, told me it was something else. I suspected that something else was Ivan’s increased taxes.

I should pay Ellery for her time in the Revenant Woods with me, but this was a proud family who had already refused my offer to do so. They wouldn’t take my money, but they could have all the reward if we found the thief.

I climbed the steps to the cheerful blue front door that was starting to rot at the bottom. Before I could knock, it opened to reveal Ellery on the other side.

I hadn’t known what to expect from her, but she radiated defiance. Dressed in loose-fitting brown pants and a dark green shirt she’d tucked into her waistband, she looked ready for a trip into the woods but wasn’t happy about it.

Her thick hair hung in a braid over her shoulder; it swayed when she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. When I retreated down the steps, she followed.

She wore a dagger at her waist and a bow and quiver slung onto her back. She’d strapped a canteen to her side.

When she stopped before me, her eyes raked my black pants and shirt. I’d also brought a bow and arrows and had a small sword strapped to my belt.

“Do I meet your approval?” I inquired, unable to keep the irritation from my voice.

“You should have brought water, but you’re dressed for the forest and have weapons.”

“There are rivers in the woods I can drink from.”

“Not always.”

Why did I have a feeling she’d go out of her way to keep me from water today to prove a point? That annoyed as well as amused me.

Ellery crossed her lawn and the dirt road in front of her home as she headed toward the woods on the other side. She stopped walking when she spotted Xanthus munching on some grass.

Her eyebrows shot into her hairline as her head tipped to the side. “I’m guessing he’s yours.”

“What gave it away?”

When she scowled at me, I stifled a laugh. “He’s a good-looking animal.”

“Just like his owner.”

Her scowl deepened, but when she turned away, the corner of her mouth twitched toward a smile. Maybe this adventure into the woods with her wouldn’t be as chilly as I’d anticipated.

“Have you considered breeding him?” she asked as we entered the woods. “We have some mares that would make beautiful foals with him.”

“You don’t want to breed his obstinance into another. Xanthus will never be fully broken.”

She looked intrigued at this as she ducked a low-hanging branch. “I wouldn’t mind giving it a try.”

I could well imagine she’d love the challenge, and as I tipped my head to the side to admire her firm ass, I knew I’d enjoy the challenge too.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Ellery

The sun was high in the sky, indicating it was nearly noon before Ryker and I came across a stream and decided to stop for lunch. I removed my bow from my back and pulled an arrow from my quiver while Ryker moved to the stream.

Kneeling at its side, he cupped his hand and used it to drink the water. I hadn’t purposely kept him away from water; I wasn’t cruel, but he’d chosen our direction as he’d decided to head toward The Hollows. He said he had something to show me; I suspected it was a pixie door.

I’d warned him there wasn’t much water between here and there, but he’d said he’d be fine. After a couple of hours of crossing some rugged terrain, climbing hills, and rocks, I’d offered him some of my water; it was his choice to refuse it.

While he drank, I hunted our lunch. I returned with a buxon, a creature the size of a large cat, and with plenty of delicious meat.

While I was away, Ryker had finished drinking and gathered wood for a fire. He already had it lit and the flames high by the time I returned.