Diabhal's River

A river frozen silent.

Masking the violent, imperceptible water vein that heaved beneath the ice. The man breathed sharply through gritted teeth and lowered himself into the snow with a thud. The mare whinnied, withdrawing away from the edge. He walked beside her, holding the reins closely- hushing her quietly. 'C'mere girl, I know, I know. There's no other way. We can't go back, not now. Shhhh...'