Horse Charmer (16 page)

Several images and emotions flashed through her quickly. She had to concentrate to follow what Dall told her. She could do this. He was showing her how Luki felt in different moments that had to do with her.

Luki's worry as they rode in circles through the Vesperan woods following Kali's tracks with a group of soldiers. Anxiety racing through Luki's body as he saddled Dall and rode away from the border village without her. The nearly crippling fear as he pushed Dall's endurance up the trail to Julyan's.

Dall lifted his head and curled his nose as he ended the images.

Yes, he was worried and afraid for me. But he found me and I am safe so he no longer has to worry.
She waited for his response.

Dall snorted and flashed the low grade concern Luki smelled of whenever Cassia was near.

 
Humans always worry about those they care for even if they are right in front of them. I worry for Luki as he worries for me.

Dall was silent a moment as if considering what she said. He then stepped up and placed his muzzle in her hand. His reluctant acceptance flowed through her along with a warning she could see in his eyes.

Thank you, Dall. Your acceptance means more than you know.

Elated, Cassia turned back to Luki. He leaned on the fence watching them with an uneasy expression on his face.

"It worked. He understood me."

"I thought that was what you did."

"With Kali, yes." How could she explain this to him? "But I've never actively spoken with other horses. Understand their intent and help them understand mine, yes, but to speak with them, one on one? That's a new one."

"What did he say?"

She didn't want to divulge too much of their conversation and why she had wanted to speak with him.

"He doesn't talk. It's kind of like understanding, but with more clarity. He understood what I said and I understood what he said by the feelings and images he sent me."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"That's okay." She slid back through the rails so she stood next to him. "I'm still bumbling through it myself."

"What did Julyan ask you to do?"

"Command a herd," she said, but she focused on the conversation she'd had with Dall and how clear it had been. It was different from speaking with Kali, but just as understandable.

"What did you command them to do?"

"To jump out of their corral and run through the Talent encampment."

"Did they do as you asked?"

"Yes." Then it hit her. If she could speak with Dall, she could speak with any horse, her father's horse, Rae. "I know what to do."

"About what?" Luki asked, wariness creeping back into his voice.

She looked around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear her.
Kali!

I'm coming.

Cassia ducked back into the corral and pulled Luki in behind her. Though the yard appeared to be empty because of the late hour she knew Talents were lurking about. She led him next to Dall and sought refuge behind him.

Kali's hooves announced her arrival just before she launched herself into the small pen. She barely managed not to knock into Dall as she slid to a stop. Understanding immediately that Cassia wanted privacy, Kali and Dall formed the same cocoon as before.

"I know how to find out who killed my father," Cassia said.

"I'm afraid to ask," he said, his own voice matching her low tone as he leaned his back against Dall's shoulder.

"His horse."

He shrugged and she held back her frustration that he didn't immediately grasp what she was saying.

"My father's horse would have seen what happened."

"Or he might not have," he cautioned.

"My father dismounted his horse just before he went into the alley." She tried to explain it so Luki would grasp the big picture. "He said he left Westleigh with the horses in the mouth of the alley. Rae, my father's horse, was very attached to him. Rae would have watched him walk away. My father was attacked before he reached the pub. Don't you see? Rae would have seen the attacker."

"And if he did?" He glanced at his own horse as comprehension dawned. "You want to question him."

"Yes, he is a witness," she said, excited that he finally understood. "No more guesses, half truths, and conjecture. We'll know exactly who murdered my father."

"Are you sure he can tell you?"

"I just spoke with Dall."

"Yes, but --" he said, the question in his voice making it clear he didn't really believe.

She pushed his doubt aside and tried to think. "Is Rae still in Vespera or back in Karah?" He shrugged. "You are the Karahan Horse Wrangler. You know every horse the castle houses. Was he there when we left for Vespera?"

"Several of the King's Guards remained behind in Vespera to hunt for the killer. The wagon brought," he hesitated, "Robet back. They wouldn't have used his saddle horse to bring him home."

"So he's still in Vespera."

"I'm not sure." Luki cautioned. "But, yes, I believe I saw your father's steed in a place of honor in the Vesperan barn."

"We go back to Vespera."

"Princess." He stepped up to her. "What of receiving the guidance of the Karahan advisors? The entire reason you left Vespera in the first place."

She shut back the frustration and the twin forces pulling her. He was right. The urge to go to Vespera was quickly overpowering her desire to receive help. But she would need help once she learned what Rae had seen. She spun around under Luki's watchful gaze and picked a leaf from Kali's mane.

No advice?

It is for you to decide what the best course of action will be.

That's not much help.

Kali pondered her.
I'm sorry I'm not more assistance.

Cassia was instantly contrite and hugged the mare.
I'm the one who is sorry. You are more help than I could have asked for.

You have additional help surrounding you.

I know. One is currently glowering at my back.

He only wishes to protect you.

I need to know. How can any decision be made without knowing?

Then you have your answer.

Steeling herself, she turned back around to face Luki. "I wish to go to Vespera."

He was prepared for her answer and nodded. "By your command."

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't do that."

"Princess," Luki said with a short laugh. "When you command something it is what it is. It wasn't a request. Are you saying I shouldn't follow your commands?"

Cassia resisted the urge to kick his shin. "Then you wouldn't do what I want."

He grinned, the first real smile he'd given her since Alrik had arrived. "You find yourself in a quandary."

"Know-it-all," she whispered under her breath. "How quickly can we be off?"

He dropped his grin. "We're not riding that trail in the middle of the night."

"We've wasted enough time," Cassia said, the urgency gripping her again.

"That may be, but your safety is my primary concern. It's already dark."

She hated to admit that he was right especially when he was right, but she nodded slowly. "First light."

"First light." His slow smile came back. "Better go tell your host you won't be staying any longer."

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Thankfully, Julyan hadn't been difficult when Cassia had informed him they would be leaving at first light. He had smiled and said he would see her soon and she knew he wasn't referring to the next morning.

Cassia and Luki hit the trail as the graying light had begun to brighten. The only damper on her mood at finally moving again was the addition of Alrik. She'd been so excited and filled with urgency to head out she'd forgotten about Luki's conversation with Alrik while she'd been training. Now she had nothing to do but think about it as they started the long ride down the mountain. She couldn't even ask Luki about what the two men had spoke about, because Alrik rode ahead of them leading the way.

The rest of the ride down the mountain was uneventful and didn't pass nearly as quickly as the ride up. Going at a slower speed did mean the horses didn't have to rest as much as they would have if they were racing uphill. After a couple of hours, as the sun started to rise to midday, the corner of one of Alrik's fences finally came into view.

As one, the horses broke into a trot and rounded the corner to head into the yard of Alrik's homestead. Pakelika met them at the gate and a look of surprise crossed his face as he greeted his father.

"You're back early," Alrik said with a frown.

"I rode out early," Pakelika said. "Met the farmer at the main road and he said the mare was just what he was looking for and paid in full."

Alrik nodded in satisfaction. "Princess Cassia of Karah and Luki are going to water their horses and be on their way."

Cassia almost laughed at his snippy tone and would have if the urgency to get moving had dulled at all. Pakelika glanced past them first before focusing on her as he realized who his father was referring to. He continued to stare at her as they rode across the yard over to the barn.

Both Luki and Cassia dismounted and Pakelika finally seemed to get his courage up to approach them.

"Your Highness?"

"Yes," she answered.

"Are you meeting up with the Karahan Caravan?" Pakelika asked.

Cassia focused her attention on him. "What caravan?"

"The one heading to Vespera this morning, I was waiting on the main road for the farmer and the lead rider stopped and asked me of any news."

"They were going to Vespera? Why did you think it was the Karahan Caravan?"

"The flags were flying on each carriage. The rider said they were traveling with haste to get the advisors to Castle Vespera as quickly as possible. He wanted to make sure the roads were clear and to see if there were any Vesperan squads in the area."

"Do you want to catch them?" Luki asked, leaving the decision up to her.

"You'll have to ride fast and hard to catch up with them before they reach the Vesperan castle," Pakelika said. "They have a major head start, but they're pulling wagons. They'll have to stop and rest, and they'll have to stick to the road."

Can you catch them, Kali?

Kali snorted in derision.
No wagon team can run faster than I.

She smiled slightly and turned to Luki. He walked his horse to the water trough as he double-checked the knots on their supplies. Alrik spoke quietly with Marelda on his porch and she peeked in Cassia's direction several times. She could guess what he was telling her so she avoided making eye contact as she was in no mood to exchange pleasantries or make explanations. Thankfully, Fayline and Gabrial weren't about. If they were lucky Dall and Kali would be watered before the girls returned from their chores.

"Do you need a saddle?" Luki gestured to Kali.

Kali tossed her head, showing even more the lack of bridle and saddle. All the gear was on Luki's horse except for what Cassia carried on her back.

She was about to shake her head like Kali, but then considered Dall.
Dall shouldn't carry the entire load.

Very well.
Kali walked over to the barn.

"Pakelika," Luki said. "Do you have something light we can borrow?"

"It would be an honor." Pakelika shot a look at Cassia and then turned back to Luki. "Under one condition."

Luki raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"That I ride with you. I know a shortcut that will allow you to reach Vespera much sooner than using the main road."

Cassia shrugged when Luki glanced at her in question. He knew Pakelika better than her and left the decision up to him.

"If you can't keep up…" Luki said pointedly to Pakelika.

"Understood." Pakelika bolted to the barn and came back out holding one arm of full tack and in the other a light riding saddle. Kali moved next to him and he tossed it on gently and tightened the girth.

Cassia helped Luki untie some of the bags from Dall, tethering them to her saddle. Pakelika had pulled a swift and rough looking horse from the corral and had the gelding tacked up and ready to go by the time Luki and Cassia's load was evenly distributed between Kali and Dall.

"Pakelika!" Alrik called when he saw his son mounting. "Where do you think you're going?"

Pakelika's face reddened, but he turned to his father. "I'm going to ride with them to the caravan."

"You have chores here." Alrik cast a glare at Cassia.

She ignored his disgruntled look and with awkwardness climbed into the saddle. She was so used to Kali's smooth back that she had to concentrate to avoid hooking her leg or foot on some item or loop. Luki checked her girth one last time, before swinging easily up into his saddle.

"Show-off," she muttered.

Luki shot her a grin.

Pakelika clenched his jaw looking from his father to Cassia. She wasn't going to interfere he would have to make the choice on his own

"I'll be back!" Pakelika called.

Cassia only had to think of moving for Kali to spin and leap into a ground-covering gallop sweeping her through the gate in less than a second. As they raced down the hill and away from the tree line, Kali began to slow and Cassia glanced over her shoulder as Luki and Pakelika caught up with her.

Letting Kali set the pace, she followed Pakelika's shout and gesture, turning off the road to cross the wide open spaces in the general direction of Vespera. Any shortcut that allowed them to cut some time off the trail would give them an advantage. The Karahan Caravan would have to stay on the road.

They rode for several hours, Kali alternating between a trot and gallop, more for the benefit of the other horses than her own endurance. Once they reached a river, Cassia waited anxiously as the horses drank their fill and the two men dismounted to stretch. Cassia made no move to join them and frowned when Luki walked over to her.

"You need to let Kali rest a moment," Luki said.

She could feel Kali's energy and knew that Kali wasn't the one needing the rest, but she had to remember the other horses weren't special like her, so she swung her leg over Kali's neck and slid down. Her feet hit the ground and her ankles buckled, pain singing through her muscles.

Thankfully, Luki jumped forward and kept her from landing in an undignified heap right in front of Pakelika.

"Thank you," Cassia murmured.

Luki immediately released her and she was relieved to Pakelika wasn't really paying attention, but was refilling their canisters of water.

"We can only go so fast." Luki warned her.

"I know. I just --" Cassia fought for the words to describe her urgency. "My family is still there, Luki, and if King Erich did plan it."

"He won't do anything to Queen Sarahann or your brothers," he assured her.

"I must have angered him greatly. He did all of this to get me married to his son and then I ruined it for him."

"He doesn't know that," Luki said, his voice low and reassuring. "The rumor of your kidnapping is just as strong as any other rumor."

Somehow that didn't reassure her. Not knowing what was going on was beginning to eat at her. She thought about Daeshawna and the inn. If they rode hard they could reach the inn by dark and maybe the Karahan Caravan would stop there for the night.

Kali slid down the deep bank to drink next to the other horses.

"We should head for the border town," she said, not quite looking at Luki who stood a little too close to her for proprieties sake, but she didn't make any move to put the appropriate distance between them. She was comfortable having him near her.

"As you wish."

"The innkeeper will know what's going on in Vespera. She might even know why the advisors are on their way there."

Luki nodded in agreement. "Sit and rest for a few minutes. The horses won't be able to ride hard right away."

"You're right," she said, and did as he suggested, dropping right where she stood.

She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them to stare in the direction of Vespera. It was hard to believe she'd left Castle Vespera a couple of days ago and so much had changed in a couple of days. She'd defied her mother, stopped a royal wedding, permanently slipped her guards, slept on the ground, had a talking horse who understood her, and…she peered at Luki. He was still her only human friend, but had shown he had feelings for her blurring the friend line.

Luki, completely unaware of her pondering, climbed down the bank to pull a bundle from one of Kali's packs. He checked on Dall and Ward, Pakelika's horse, to make sure their reins hadn't loosened, allowing them to step through them. Kali wore no bridle so needed no check.

He climbed back up to her. Pakelika followed with the water canisters. Luki unwrapped the bundle and handed Cassia a sandwich of meat and bread.

"Thank you." She took a bite though she wasn't hungry, forcing her thoughts away from where they had wandered.

"Your Highness." Pakelika handed her a canister of water.

"You don't need to call me that."

Luki raised an eyebrow at her and she remembered he did have to call her that. She couldn't ask him to call her Cassia, but the Your Highness thing got on her nerves. She frowned back at Luki as Pakelika waited expectantly for her to continue.

"Thank you for your help, Pakelika, I'm in your debt," Cassia said.

Pakelika looked dazzled and Cassia had to wonder at what a title did. He'd barely noticed her when he'd thought she was only a lady.

"Please, call me Princess Cassia." She hated that just as much, but it was slightly better than Your Highness.

Luki made an odd choking sound and she narrowed her eyes at him, daring him to laugh. He quickly drank some water.

"Your Highness," Luki said, once he'd gotten his breath. "If you're ready?"

She didn't change her expression as she rose still holding her sandwich. Pakelika immediately jumped up to fetch the horses from their grazing at the river banks. Kali barely avoided knocking Pakelika over as she bounded up the steep bank, leaving him to get the other two horses.

"Your Highness?" Cassia hissed under her breath to Luki.

Luki chuckled lightly as he efficiently tightened Kali's girth. Kali turned her head to glare at him and smacked him on the back with her long tail.

He laughed even harder. "Not familiar enough for you? Remember we're not alone, Cassia."

She wanted to roll her eyes at him for whispering her name, but reminded herself she was too old for that. "You're impossible."

"So are you, Princess, so are you," Luki said in a quiet, but somehow serious voice.

He offered her a leg up and Cassia took it, needing the extra help to negotiate the saddle. His hands lingered on her ankle as he slid her foot into the stirrup. When he looked up, Cassia started, uncertain how to respond to the sad expression on his face.

She leaned down as she whispered. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Don't worry we'll catch the caravan before it reaches Castle Vespera."

"I hope you're right."

Luki stepped back to take Dall from Pakelika. He checked the girth even though Pakelika had already tightened it. Their start was much slower than before, because they had to walk the horses. She could crawl faster, but they had to wait until the horses' stomachs had finished absorbing the water or they'd have an even longer delay.

Are you all right?
Cassia asked.

I'm in perfect condition.

The other horses?

They will need a little more time to settle their stomachs and catch their breaths. Their muscles are fatigued.

Cassia had felt as much, but was relieved to know her reading of the other horses had been correct. What had Julyan meant when he'd said she'd just begun to show some of her potential? What would she be able to do if she utilized her full potential?

The horses' fatigue slowly faded to tiredness and Cassia judged it safe enough to quicken the pace. Kali immediately lengthened her stride into a slow canter and the other horses followed suit. The horses were tired, and pushing them too fast wouldn't get them to Vespera any sooner if one of them collapsed in exhaustion. The sun began to set and Cassia sighed in relief when the river and bridge came into sight.