Battle Horse

Chapter Twenty Two

   "So, you sneak into Ulf's study and grab Dancer's records. When they find out he's gone in the morning, they'll raise an alarm. It's better if they have no evidence that Dancer even existed at the stables when the rangers get involved." Bob explained to her. They were currently sitting in the driver's seat of a cart Bob had designed to transport wounded horses.

"Rangers?" She asked, slightly panicked.

"Oh yes. Halt and Will will investigate once they return from the gathering. But don't worry. If they have no records, then they have no proof." He smiled.

"But Will knows that Dancer was there. He knows I went to you for help." Bob's smile faded.

"That could be a problem. But we'll deal with that later. Right now we must get Dancer to safety." He said. She nodded. In a little less than an hour, they arrived at the horse school. Guards approached them as Ena climbed out of her seat.

"Hello Carter!" She said happily.

"Miss Ena." He said. With Ena there, no one questioned the old man accompanying her. "What are you doing out so late?"

"Just running an errand for Sir Ulf. He told me fetch him to look at the wounded stallion." She said. Carter nodded.

"Well what's with the cart?" He asked, jabbing it slightly with the butt of his javelin.

"This is to transport the horse. I heard he was greatly wounded. I may need to take him back to my stables." Bob explained. Carter rose an eyebrow.

"You're sure Ulf knows of this?" He asked Ena. She nodded.

"I'm off to see him as seem speak, to alert him of his arrival." She said.

"Let me, Ena. You must go rest, you've had a long day." Word had already spread fast as to what had happened to Ena earlier that day.

"I'm fine, Carter." She growled. He nodded.

"Alright then." Ena looked at Bob.

"Go on ahead and look at Dancer. He's the third stall on the left." Bob nodded. She than turned and ran into the school. The study wasn't very far, so she reached it quickly. She knocked briefly, just in case. When she heard no answer, she quietly opened the door. The candles were still lit and the fire burned bright, telling Ena that Ulf had recently left and would be returning soon. She rushed to his desk, pulling open drawers in search of Dancers records. When she found it, she gathered it up and tucked it under her cloak. She ran for the door, yanking it open, and coming face to face with Ulf. He rose an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Ena? What are you doing in my study?" He asked. She stood there for a second, trying to think of a good excuse.

"I...I left my hair tie when I was in here." She said, mentally cursing herself for such stupidity.

"A hair tie?" He looked doubtful as he questioned her.

"Yes sir. My only one. I need it for tomorrow." She said. He furrowed his brows together.

"Alright. Anyway, I want to apologize for earlier. I understand if you're mad at me. I should have told you. I hope you can forgive me." He said. She let her shoulders slump in defeat.

"I know it's not your fault. I more mad that you didn't tell me. I had a right to know." He nodded shamefully.

"I know. I'm sorry." She let out a sigh.

"Well, I'd best be off to bed." She said. He nodded.

"Yes, you should." He then bid her goodnight and entered his study, shutting the door behind himself. Ena let out a sigh of relief and hurried to her room, grabbing a rucksack and stuffing all of her clothes and belongings inside of it. She placed Dancer's records inside under one of her dresses, and hurried off to the stables. Bob had already placed Dancer's tack and brushes in the cart, and was loading Dancer. The horse limped alongside the old man, favouring his injured side.