Page 49 of Black Onyx
“You don’t seem as concerned as you should be considering what he’s just told us about that horse.” Storm comments with a raised eyebrow.
“That’s because I’m not.” My answer is simple as Revel, clearly having had enough of waiting for me to open the door, kicks it again, and I rush to unlatch it, so he doesn’t break the damn thing.
The others stay as far back as they can as my giant black horse comes barrelling out of the stall and straight for me. I remain still as he comes for me; despite all his posturing, he wouldn’t hurt me, and now I’m with him; he won’t hurt anyone else. He’s a giant softy, really, but he’s got a massive personality, and if he’s pissed, then everyone is going to know about it.
“Farren,” Storm warns with an edge to his voice as Revel snaps his sharp pointed teeth in my direction.
I chuckle at his antics, “I missed you too, you grumpy fucker. Do you want to go for a ride?”
He snorts in agreement and then gently nudges my shoulder with his nose. I gently stroke his face in greeting as a sense of utter calm washes through me. He shows me a picture of a rundown shack, holes in the walls, rats in the straw and an empty food bucket.
I burst out laughing, shocking the guys who still haven’t gotten their own horses ready, “I know for a fact that’s not true, you cheeky fucker. They’ve been looking after you well even though you’ve been an arse.”
“You can communicate with him?” Mayhem asks, curiosity infusing his voice. He takes a step closer, and Revel whips his head in his direction, causing him to pause in his steps.
As I start to answer him, Reaper strides past, utterly unconcerned as he approaches Revel, and before I can warn him to behave himself since they’re my friends, not foe, he’s nudging Reaper’s arm with his head and completely ignoring me. My mouth drops open as I stare, and Reaper chuckles.
“I’ve got a way with animals, and he knows I’m no threat to you.” He replies simply.
“It’s a part of his nature,” Loki adds, finally moving into another stall that I’m assuming is housing his horse.
The others are all doing the same, apart from Mayhem, who is still waiting for an answer.
“Erm, sorry that threw me off. Yeah, I can communicate with him, just in feelings and sometimes pictures. He tried to make out they mistreated him in here, but he’s a shit liar.” I chuckle.
“That’s fascinating. I’d love to hear more about how that works,” he starts excitement thrumming through his tone as his eyes light up at the prospect of more knowledge.
“Not now, mate. We’ve got to get going. We’ve already wasted enough time.” Storm interrupts firmly.
The look of disappointment on his face has me saying, “I’ll answer all questions when we’ve set off. We should have plenty of time.”
“Great, thanks, Farren.” He replies exuberantly as he moves to get his horse.
I quickly tack up Revel, who only gives me a little bit of shit while I do it and then look around, trying to find the stable hand that brought us in here. I spot him standing not too far away, watching Revel and me warily.
“I’m so sorry he was a pain; I promise he’ll behave himself now.” I start. When he still looks wary, I turn to Revel and give him a stern look, “won’t you?”
I swear if he could roll his eyes, he would, but instead, he dips his head in his version of a nod.
“Wow, okay, I’ll take your word for it, but if he gives me any more shit, you’ll have to feed him.”
“That’s fair.”
I swing up easily onto Revel and then walk him to the door to wait for the others who are running behind, thanks to the show that Revel put on. He stands reasonably calmly as we wait, which is a miracle in itself.
Chapter sixteen
Storm is the first to meet me outside the door, and I wait for the snark. I’m not expecting our truce to hold for the whole of this journey. I think that might be just a little bit optimistic. We take every opportunity to poke at each other. I will, however, hold the truce for as long as he does.
“So, I’m assuming you do know how to ride properly then?” he asks.
“Yeah.”
“Another way of showing me not to underestimate you?”
“Yes,” I say simply again because I really don’t know what else to say.
He nods, and we sit in surprisingly companionable silence. Finally, the others join us, and we all set off following Storm since he knows where we’re going. The ride starts in silence which I enjoy until something occurs to me.
