Page 30 of Wind and Water
“We are many and strong. Never again will the herd be strangled by the yoke of slavery,” he rages.
“Forgive me. I just wonder why all the various peoples of Domhan keep separate rather than join to stand against the witch queen.” I hold my breath, hoping I haven’t insulted the centaur.
He cocks his head and returns to a gallop. “There is history that keeps us apart, but I believe time is the cause.”
“Time?” Like the dragons shifting time? What does that have to do with the apparent prejudices festering in Domhan?
His chest rises and falls on a huff. “So many suns have passed since an elf came into a centaur’s woods, and we have also kept to ourselves. Time creates the widest chasms.”
“I see your point.” My attention drifts back to my nightmare. Nothing on this journey looks anything like the visions. I’m tired, emotionally and physically drained from the events of the last few days and the lack of restful sleep last night. I rest my cheek on his back and close my eyes. These centaurs are truly beautiful. This world may be worth saving even if I’m not the one to do it. I need to find my mother. That’s my only quest. I’ll figure out the rest once Momma is safe.
We slow as we near the tree line. The sun and whatever that other orb is are starting their path west. I must have slept for a few hours. It’s a miracle I’m not dead on the ground somewhere. I suppose I have Jadar to thank for keeping me from falling.
To the left is a sheer cliff down to the ocean, and behind us is the wide plain. The forest is dense and the light through the canopy is dim.
Liam drops to his feet and reaches his hands toward me to help me down. “Are you alright?”
My knees and hips are sore from sitting in the same position for so long, and it takes me a moment to gain my footing. “Just stiff.”
“I’m surprised you could sleep on the centaur’s back.” He keeps his hands on my waist while I’m unstable.
“It would seem Jadar is a safe haven for a human woman from Texas, and I feel much more rested with no nightmares.” I grin at Jadar.
“Hmm.” Liam sounds annoyed. “I’m pleased you got the needed sleep.” Still, he doesn’t sound glad.
I spare a thought for him being jealous. Part of me thinks that’s sweet, and another part says he should use his energy for more useful emotions. I’m about to tell him so when the forest comes alive with a dozen or more centaurs. I yelp out of instinct, but immediately put my hand over my mouth and feel my cheeks heat. Since meeting Liam, every moment feels like a surprise and a strain on my senses.
The centaurs stare at me and Liam with equal interest as they lead the way through the dense trees.
Corell says, “We are going to our home. Son of Elspeth, you will be the first elf to set foot in the Western Centaur dwellings in memory. Daughter of Birdie, you are the second human, perhaps ever, to see such a place.”
“Do you worry we’ll be disrespectful?” Liam asks. He threads his fingers through mine.
Everyone is so much bigger than me that I have to jog to keep up. “Are there rules or customs we should be aware of?”
“You enter with me. I, with my mate, lead this generation. You are the son of a leader. I assume you know how to behave.” Corell gives a half smile and trots ahead.
A minute later, the forest thins, and sun shines into a wide area that serves as the centaurs’ village. There must be over a hundred homes built in rows like streets. Some are in the shade, and others are fully in the cleared spaces. They are open, with roofs that overhang wooden floors. I would call them porches,but it is clear they are used as living rooms. Centaurs are playing with the young and doing needlework.
A large crowd gathers at the center where a fire burns. Males and females in armor that covers from their chest to where their bodies become equine. Some hold spears, and others have swords strapped to their side. Behind the soldiers stand hundreds of centaurs, unclothed. Females are as bare as the males.
It takes me a moment to adjust to so much flesh and the contrast with the armor shining brightly in the late-day sun.
The crowd parts for Corell, and we follow.
Liam is stiff, and his jaw ticks. His hand sits gently on the hilt of his sword, but he doesn’t wrap his fingers around it or do anything to indicate aggression.
To the right is an enormous kiln putting off heat that I feel from a hundred yards away. A dozen centaurs are working to pound out weapons and armor.
They were planning to go to battle before they found us. Were they going to try to rescue my mother with or without me? So many questions about how they live and why they care about a human woman. I know she saved their young, but these people have kept to themselves for centuries, and it’s mostly kept them safe. They can avoid that beach and stay clear of the witch queen.
Adhar caws from a tree, but I can’t find her in the leaves. Still, for some reason, I find her presence comforting.
Corell walks into a large meeting room. It’s not enclosed, but the floor is wood and there is a roof. Large cut logs hold the twenty-foot ceiling in place but leave adequate room for centaurs to walk and mill about.
Hundreds of hooves on the wooden floor make me wish it was polite to hold my ears. I restrain myself, but I’m sure I cringe before I can stop myself.
Jadar leans close to my ear. “It’s loud for us as well. Give it a moment and everyone will settle.”
