The Dreaming Land

Chapter 20: Showdown

Morning light peaked over the ridge above the town, casting a shadow that drew a fine line across the adjacent ridge. It crept down slowly towards the tip of the highest building's roof. Looking back over his shoulder, Orius took in a final view of Fort Velishad, remembering the explosion for the day before. Sighing he turned his back and continued down the road, he didn't want to be there when the sherif came looking for him to make sure he was leaving.

The air was still at the bottom of the canyon, and the sky was clear. Another beautiful day for walking on the open road. Ahead of Orius, Misha walked with Imara, showing her the new measures she'd purchased. Their trip to Fort Velishad had not been for nothing, it seemed. Their pockets were heavy with coin, and Misha was grinning wide.

Up ahead on the path, they spotted a caravan pulled over to the side of the road. As they approached they saw a stout looking man tending to the horses. Immediately, Misha ran over to them, amazed by the animals. The rest of them followed her over, praying she wasn't causing the man any trouble.

"Is that an Abernath paint horse?" She asked, approaching the man.

"Yeah it is." He chuckled, "You've got a good eye."

"She's gorgeous!" She swooned.

"Tally's a really beauty, that's for sure." He smiled, "The name's Nolan."

"Misha." She said, still staring at the massive horse.

"Sorry, I hope she's not causing you any trouble." Orius said, running up to them.

"Not at all!" Nolan laughed, "I was actually getting kind of bored out here by myself."

"You're a caravaner?" Quintir asked, examining his wagon.

"I am." He nodded, "Why, are you looking for a ride?"

They each gave each other a look. They had the coin after their time in the city, and it beat walking. Soon the sun would crown the ridge, and it was already hot enough as it was. The covered wagon looked like an excellent alternative to braving the heat as they had on their way to Fort Velishad, and Misha looked quite entertained by the horses.

"How much?" Orius asked.

"Oh," He laughed, "I was just joking, but I am for hire. Let's say ten pieces for the four of you."

"That's a pretty good deal." Quintir nodded.

"Done." Orius nodded, handing Nolan ten golden coins.

"Thanks." He said, pocketing the coins, "We can get moving when I'm done feeding the horses."

Orius and the others loaded their belongings into the back of the wagon, and Imara and Quintir climbed inside. Misha decided she'd help feed the horses with Nolan. Orius watched, and looked over his crossbow once more before slinging it over his shoulder. If there were any more traps up ahead, he was going to be sure to spot them. No one else was getting killed because of the bounty on his head.

Nolan took the drivers seat after reigning up the horses, so Orius hopped in the back. Misha took a seat upfront next to him. Nolan cracked the whip, and off they went, all four horses began pulling the wagon forwards. Already they were enjoying the cover of the wagon's canopy as the shadow of the ridge reached the canyon floor, bathing the canyon wall in warm sunlight.

"I didn't know you liked horses so much, Misha." Orius said, pulling the blind aside, revealing a view of the driver's seat.

"Yeah, I do." She nodded, "We used to have them back on the farm. I used to practice riding them, but it's been ages since I've been around them. I missed it."