Page 55 of Rook of Ruin
“No, my lady. This is for—” the groom begins.
“Me.” I step out quickly to take Salann’s reins and mount her. “Thank you.” I smile at the groom. “Simon.” I acknowledge his presence and completely ignore Clairene.
“O,” Simon replies simply, not looking up, but dimples pull into his cheeks with a hint of a smirk. I notice a scowl on Clairene’s face.
I set Salann at a good speed, and it takes us no time to adjust to each other. “You’re so beautiful. And fast. You’re very fast.” We go through the same east gate that Simon and I went through. She takes off with just a small nudge, and the wind whips around us, as if moving out of our way.
She glides gracefully and decides to test me by jumping a fallen tree. I allow it, leaning in to her as we jump joyously. I must have passed the test because she slows down to a trot and shakes her head up and down as if to say,Yes, I like you. We travel together for over an hour at a clipped pace until my thighs begin to feel achy. Finding a small stream, I relax while she drinks deeply. I repeat one of the phrases I remember my mother saying, “‘I am yours, and you are mine till the end of time.’” I gently rub her neck and stretch out my legs. “Can I call you Sal?” She nods, and if I could, I would hug her soul.
We end up walking together—I hold onto the side of her reins, and she nuzzles my cheek.
Hooves in the distance slow down, and in my heart, I know it’s Simon. I knew he would follow me—it’s the only reason I left the castle, because he would ensure my safety. He’s also curious and wants to know how Sal and I are getting along. I’m greeted with dimples and white teeth as he jumps down and walks next to us.
“Absolutely beautiful,” Simon breathes.
“Isn’t she though?” I beam as Sal nuzzles me.
“I meant her rider, but yes, Salann is beautiful too.” He gives me a sly smile.
“Thank you, Simon.” I pause. “I love them both, but this is too generous.”
He grins. “I thought you would love them. Have you thought of a name for the foal?”
“I am still thinking. It needs to be something worthy of his parents, and of him.” I bite my lip really considering the two names I already thought of.
“Hells, O. Stop doing that. It’s hard to control myself when you do that.” Simon is staring at my mouth.
“When I think?” I squint at him.
He sighs and smirks. “When you bite your lip.”
I don’t say anything, unsure of what I am to feel or say.
“I’m sorry, O. I thought—fuck, I don’t know what I thought.” He pulls his hand through his curly hair.
“Simon, what do you want from me?” I look into his brown eyes. “I was told that I had to be ‘worthy’ to name the foal? What does that even mean?”
He regards me for a moment. “Friendship—”
“Given.” Not an issue.
“Let me finish, O.” He looks at me sternly. “Friendship fornow. I couldn’t—wouldn’t choose someone who is unworthy of these horses. It’s a test of character and strength to have one. To us, the Bethalians, our horses are an extension of us. They carry us into battle. They risk their lives with us. They shoulder our burdens, our lives, and the thing we hold precious—our families. You had to prove yourself worthy of them, of me. Salann has clearly chosen you. She will never leave you unless you force her to. She will protect you, and she expects you to do the same for her and her foal. In battle, she will do everything she can to keep you alive, even if it means giving up her own life. That is what I meant when I said worthy. You have proven yourself to me many times; I can’t even begin to explain the pride I feel in allowing you to have them. Salann is deserving of your love,and you hers.” Sal rubs her cheek against mine as if to prove his point. Simon reaches down and brings my hand to his heart. “Friendship fornow, O.”
It’s only now that I realize his intent. I have been found worthy, and he will ask. Not now, but he will. I nod in understanding. We walk in comfortable silence, my mind whirling, and I swallow thickly, thinking of Alec. This is why we went no further. This is what will lead to heartache. Mine. His. Ours.
Simon and I climb back onto our horses and ride at a slow speed, still silent. He begins talking about something when pain shoots through my back so badly, I can’t breathe, then an arrow wizzes by and hits Simon’s right arm. Another sharp pain rips through my lower back, and I feel urine flow between my legs. I begin to fall until Salann makes a sharp turn to keep me in the saddle and kicks up her hooves at breakneck speed. I can’t feel the lower part of my body. Carefully, I pull out the arrow in my lower back, healing as I go, and darkness threatens my vision from the pain.Don’t pass out. Simon rides alongside me when he takes another arrow through the back. He falls off Artho, and I pull Salann’s reins to turn her around.
“Simon!” I slide off her, another arrow landing at Simon’s feet. I pull out the arrow in his back and the one in his arm. Simon hisses in pain, but I heal him quickly, and he climbs back up into the saddle as an arrow goes through my calf. I fall back into Salann, who is trying to block any arrows with her massive body. They aren’t targeting the horses, just us.
Simon pulls out his sword, fury filling his face.
“No, no, no,” a man’s booms out. “We don’t want you, mate. We want the Rook.”
Violence drips from Simon’s voice. “You’re fucking dead.”
The man laughs. “Probably, mate, but not by your hand. Leave the Rook and go about your fucking business. She’s healed you. Go.”
I pull the other arrow from my back, and a sickening feeling overtakes me as I heal myself. Simon’s voice drops several octaves. “I’m not leaving her.”
