Into the Land of Valentia

Chapter the Thirteenth

XIII

In the dark of the approaching twilight, it was difficult to steer the horses along the path, never mind find a clear track into the forest that would lead the trio to a clearing that would shelter them for the night. The slender crescent of the waning moon provided only minimal light. Where the sun had only managed to filter through weak rays of its light, the moon had much more difficulty penetrating the thick canopy of leaves overhead. Vivica knew that, had the group chosen to take a more known route from Verida, the path would have been wider, allowing more light to illuminate their way. However, such a route would also have presented more dangers.

In the end, she moved to the head of the group. Paired with Garrett, she would have a better chance of finding a place for them to rest for the night. Behind her, Narick rode silently on his gelding. He had regained the feeling in his limbs through the motions of riding. Cayden had moved to the rear, attentively listening for any pursuers.

Vivica doubted that any guards from the castle would follow. Surely the guard Cayden had knocked unconscious knew it had been Cayden to do the deed. No guard would want to accuse someone as important as Cayden of doing something so irrational without proof, and without clear motive at that. It was more likely that the guard would stay silent on Vivica and Cayden's involvement, and claim the stable master had escaped after their departure, panicked by the sight of the man he had tried to kill.

Garrett flicked his tail then, and bobbed his head towards a particular patch of trees. If Vivica squinted hard, she could see some downtrodden grass. The flattened herb suggested a possible trail into the forest. There seemed to be enough space for the horses to fit through the trees, with some weaving. She dismounted. 

"Find something?" Narick asked. His voice seemed overly loud, after travelling with only the sound of some early emerging cicadas. With the season hearting up, the insects were beginning to come out

Vivica attempted a gesture to indicate he should lower his voice, before realizing he wouldn't be able to see in the darkness. She moved closer. "There should be a trail we can follow this way. I'll continue to take the lead. Let Cayden know."

Narick's form moved. Vivica assumed he had nodded. She moved back to Garrett's side to take his reins and began to walk.

The path was more narrow than she had initially thought. Her saddlebags kept brushing against trees. From time to time, she had to backtrack and lead Garrett in a detour around trees. She had to admit that even if they did come across a clearing along this path, its proximity to Verida didn't make her entirely comfortable. Most of Valentia's deadlier creatures were deterred from coming this close to Verida, but thieves enjoyed prowling the areas close to wealthy towns. They were exchanging one threat for another. 

They had been travelling through the forest for a dozen or so minutes before Cayden called out, "My horse won't move."

Vivica stopped in place. She placed a hand on Garrett's neck and twisted around, trying to see as best as she could. Now deep under the cover of the trees, it was unfathomably dark. She could barely mark out the outline of her own saddle. "Is she stuck?" Not impossible, for the trees were placed so closely together. But Vivica had been certain Garrett was larger in girth than Cayden's mare.

"No." Cayden grunted. "She just won't move." 

Narick spoke up. "Let me."

The sound of twigs crunching underfoot could be heard, then soft murmurings. Vivica could comfortably assume they were aimed at the mare, and not Cayden. 

More twigs and leaves crunched, then Narick spoke once more. "She had a stone in her hoof. It wasn't too deep, and I was able to pull it out with my finger. All's fine now."