Page 130 of Salt Between the Wolves

The comment came from beside her.

She glanced toward Leander and saw that his attention remained fixed on the horse.

"Most people wouldn't have."

Eira said nothing.

Leander studied the mare quietly and carefully rather than casually. His gaze moved across the animal's legs and shoulders, then to the tack hanging nearby, the worn leather, the repaired straps, and the subtle signs left behind by weeks on the road.

Only then did he ask:

"This is yours?"

Eira raised an eyebrow.

"You already know the answer."

"I do."

"Then why ask?"

For the first time, Leander looked directly at her.

"Because I'd rather hear your answer than mine."

The response irritated her slightly, mostly because she wasn't entirely sure what it meant.

"Yes."

Leander nodded and returned his attention to the horse.

"How many days?"

The question caught her off guard.

"What?"

"From Ironfang."

Eira hesitated.

"A little more than a week."

Leander was silent for a moment.

"Alone."

It wasn't a question but an observation.

Eira folded her arms.

"Mostly."

That finally earned a glance.

"Mostly?"

"There were wolves."