From the Desk of Honor Raconteur
The inn Hawes took them to was lively, clean, and with good service. A family seemed to run it, the mother of the group checking people in and calling out orders to various children for bedding/baths/food to be brought to different guests. It wasn’t crowded when they first entered, but two groups came in behind them, and Mei Li knew that status quo wouldn’t last long.
It was still sinking in, that she was not only five thousand years in the past, but working with the original group that sealed so many magical problems. Her brain cramped under the realization of when and where she was. But if she had to land somewhere in time, even Mei Li had to admit that this wasn’t a bad place to be. This group was trustworthy, even if they weren’t entirely sure of what they were doing yet, and look! She’d even run into Shunlei quickly. If nothing else, she could depend on his help. Older Shunlei had said so.
They all ordered drinks first, as everyone was parched from running around and shouting, then belatedly ordered lunch as well. Sensing that only Hawes was truly comfortable with Shunlei, Mei Li encouraged her dragon friend to sit next to her, which he promptly did.
No one else around them seemed to realize they had a dragon in their midst. A few people looked at Shunlei at askance as they passed by, as seeing anyone in pure white was rare in this mix of farmers, traders, and day laborers. But a glance was all he got before they found a free table and went back to their own business. Odd, how things changed over time. In Mei Li’s time, people would have recognized Shunlei as a young dragon because of his skin tone.
Melchior drained his tankard in one gulp before raising it over his head and calling out, “Another! Alright, Lady Mei, you said you’d heard of other things. What things?”
Mei Li had not had much time to mentally phrase that answer, as they’d talked most of the way here, so answered carefully. “I’ve heard rumors of some and there’s one that’s truly worrying me. But let me check first. Acali’s Flute?”
“Subdued,” Kiyo assured her before sipping at her own tankard. “We handled that.”
“Excellent.” That also gave Mei Li a firmer grasp on where she stood in the timeline. “Then there’s two that I know of. There’s a sword somewhere in Bader—rumor places it near the mountains—that’s wreaking havoc. It keeps enslaving men’s minds and wreaking destruction through them. When the host can’t sustain it any longer, it’ll go dead in their hands until someone else picks it up.”
Nord hissed in a breath, goatee working into a deep frown. “I’d not heard of it. What else?”
“A minor deity, a water god, is trying to establish more dominance in the land,” Mei Li answered readily. “Gong is his name. I believe if he’s not intervened with soon, he’ll go power crazy and flood us out. What have you heard of?”
“There’s a white boned demon on the loose,” Kiyo reported flatly. “I received a message about it from my home last week. It’s apparently moving through Tanguay and south, searching for a holy man to eat.”
Seeing Shunlei’s confusion, Mei Li explained, “Bai Gu Jing is its true name, a skeletal monster that believes if it eats the flesh of a holy man, it’ll have immortal life. They’re tricky to catch as they are very capable shapeshifters.”
Hawes looked at her with interest. “You’ve heard of even that? Most people don’t know of it, as its something that originated from the Floating Isles, far north of the main continent. You are very well informed, Lady Mei.”
Mei Li gave him a smile. “I was very well taught. But in this, I think we have an advantage. Shunlei should be able to detect the white boned demon well before we can. Shunlei, you should be able to smell her. She’ll be wearing perfume to disguise it, so a human nose will be fooled, but she’ll smell of the grave and decay. If you detect that scent, covered with perfume, follow it immediately.”
He nodded instantly. “I’ll do that. And the sword? Which of these tasks should be our priority?”
That was an excellent question. Mei Li looked to Hawes for an answer. She didn’t begin to think she was in charge of this group. It would be wise of her to show that from the outset.
Hawes made a low, guttural sound in the back of his throat as he ruminated on it. “Kiyo, any other direction other than south for the white boned demon? Any hint who she might be chasing?”
“No, only that she’s been sighted in two different temples in Tanguay and seems to be heading south.”
“So she’s hitting holy places. That’s good to know.” Turning his head, Hawes stroked his red beard as he regarded Mei Li. “You said this sword causing trouble was somewhere in Bader?”
“Yes.” Spreading her hands in apology, she shrugged. The records on Ghost General Sword were vague on the location of where they’d found the sword—only that it had been in Bader, near the foot of the mountains. But that was a very long mountain range. “I can’t give you a firmer location either, as the sword moves freely about depending on the host. It could be in the mountains, the foothills, or anywhere along that area.”
“So no firm location there either. Hmmm. What do you think of crossing the mountains, heading east toward the sea, then going down from there? We may or may not cross paths with the white boned demon that way but at least we’ll be heading the right direction to find the sword.”
It was a sound plan and Mei Li had no issue with it. She nodded, echoing the manner of everyone else at the table.
“Then we’ll do that tomorrow. I’ll step out now and inform the Prince that we’ve acquired two new people in the party. Hopefully funds and supplies can catch up with us on the road that way.” Hawes heaved himself to his feet then paused there, studying Shunlei with his head cocked. “Can you carry passengers?”
“Only two at a time,” Shunlei answered forthrightly. “I’m not large enough or strong enough to do more.”
“But you can still do two, in a pinch.”
“I’ll need a harness of some sort to manage the two. You can’t mount me from behind—you’ll slide right off on the first upthrust.”
“So definitely not something we can do in the near future. Alright. Still, we should work on a harness so we’ve got it, if there’s an emergency. If you’re alright with that?”
Shunlei smiled, teeth bright in his skin. “I don’t mind it. If I can convince some of my brethren to help carry us all, I’ll do so. Just don’t hold your breath on that score.”
“I take it as something of a miracle to even meet you,” Hawes assured him dryly. “Don’t worry, I’m not expecting another miracle anytime soon.”
As Hawes left the table, Shunlei noted to Mei Li, “I adore you humans. You’re so quick to action.”
That remark made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. “Are dragons different?”
“Oh yes. We’d still be greeting each other if it were only dragons here. Never mind having a plan of action before lunch even arrived. My people are only quick to move during an emergency.”
Interesting. That wasn’t the case in modern times. Had dragon society changed to accommodate humans? Mei Li belatedly realized that there were many questions she’d failed to ask Older Shunlei.
Knowing some of the stories, at least, Mei Li thought it prudent to ask. “Do you have anyone that you need to alert before we leave this area?”
“I do, in fact. After lunch, if it’s acceptable, I’ll fly quickly over and be back by morning.” To everyone at the table, he explained, “I found a pair of orphaned eggs three days ago. I’ve negotiated for a brood mother to take them in and raise them. She finally agreed this morning. I was in fact on my way back to fetch the eggs from their hiding place when I stumbled upon all of you.”
Mei Li’s mouth opened, the offer on the tip of her tongue to go with him to help juggle the eggs, then she thought better of it. She was not in a time where a human could waltz into a brood mother’s nest and be welcome there. In fact, her presence might undo all of the negotiations that Shunlei had managed. “Should I carry a scenting stick so you can catch up with us on the road? You’ll need to catch some sleep tonight.”
“That’s very kind of you, Lady Mei. If you would. I’m not sure how travel arrangements will work on the road with all of you, actually.”
Lips pursed, he frowned sightlessly ahead. “I’ve no experience riding a horse. That is what you will mount, is it not?”
“It is,” Melchior agreed, also frowning. “We don’t have time to teach you.”
Likely not. Mei Li felt it prudent to offer, “You can ride with me.”
“If I’m not an imposition, I’ll do so.”
Lunch arrived, interrupting them, and they set to eating. Mei Li was dying to ask questions, to really capitalize on the chance to know her heroes better. She’d idolized these people for most of her childhood. She was terribly afraid that if she didn’t keep hold of her tongue, she’d start babbling. Mei Li had time to slowly get to know them better.
Probably too much time, truth be told.
Shunlei excused himself after lunch with a promise to catch up with them on the road. Mei Li caught her bag, intending to stand as well and find a shop, perhaps buy something for the road tomorrow.
“Lady Mei,” Kiyo stated in a demanding fashion. “I’m not familiar with the spell you used earlier.”
Right. Apparently with the dragon no longer present, at least one person felt freed enough to demand answers. “I’m not surprised, Lady Kiyo. I wasn’t formally taught in any school. I had a master who taught me directly.”
Her thin brows creased together. “I see. That would explain it.”
Melchior stirred, leaning forward on his elbows. “And how do you know the dragon’s language?”
“It’s called Long-go. I was shipwrecked a few years ago and stranded in a very remote area up past the Spine Ridge Mountains.” When that got blank looks, she tried the older name for the area. “Barren Mountains.”
“Oh,” Kiyo said in recognition. Of course she would know it, as her homeland was nearby. “There’s nothing up there.”
“Well, there is, a single fishing village. They took me in but wouldn’t let me leave. I finally stumbled across a dragon living in that area and he kindly gave me shelter and flew me back to civilization.” All true if very misleading.
“So you learned about dragons from him?”
“Some. My master taught me some as well.” Mei Li’s tongue was getting quite the workout. “It was my master that told me about Shunlei, in fact. I know it’s a bit hard for you to believe that a dragon wants to be humanity’s friend, but he truly is sincere. And he’s steadily making progress. I’ve heard many stories about him.”
Hawes slapped the table with his hand. “I like his spunk. Any man willing to help in a pinch I consider a friend. If he’s game to tame all of his race, I’ll offer my aid. Better to have the dragons tamed anyway.”
Right, Hawes was one of Shunlei’s first friends by all accounts. He was a steadfast supporter of Shunlei’s cause from the very beginning. She’d almost forgotten that in the heat of the moment. “I feel the same way.”
Being a practical leader, Hawes next asked, “What provisions have you?”
“Not enough,” Mei Li answered readily. “I’ve some ink, paper, and personal effects but no food. Really, if we’re going to be travelling and battling as we go, I don’t have enough ink or paper, either. And does anyone have twine?”
Nord raised his head and finally contributed to the conversation. “I do, a spool of it.”
Kiyo’s eyes were sharp on her, evaluating. “We’ve found it to be useful on several occasions.”
“Yes, so have I.” Despite her help earlier it was clear that Kiyo didn’t trust her magic just yet. Mei Li would have an uphill battle with her. Which was a shame, as she was the only other woman in the group, and Mei Li would much rather be friends. “How about I step out, pick up a few things?”
Melchior stood. “I’ll accompany you. I’m also short on food and water. We’ll need to acquire a horse for you as well.”
Also a good point. “If you would, sir.”
Melchior led the way out, his short and stocky frame barely clearing the doorway. He was too tall to be pure Dwarf but the flowing red beard that went down his chest and the pointed ears hinted of that ancestry. He moved like a boulder on legs, powerful but not entirely agile. He still was somehow walking Mei Li’s legs off, though. She had to stretch to keep up with him.
The town wasn’t large, barely big enough to be considered a trading hub, and all three main roads connected directly to a major highway. It made things easy when it came to finding a stock yard, as everything was visible from the center of town, where they now stood. Mei Li found it interesting to look about because the world was so very different now. Less technology, to start with. She didn’t see the hint of a single water wheel despite a river being nearby. More magical talismans seemed to be doing the job instead.
Abe had mentioned to her a few times that magic stunted the growth of technology until the trend switched to Evocation magic. Why bother inventing another way to do it when a magical talisman would do the job? He felt it impacted the world in a negative way and Mei Li, now that she saw the past, understood why. Using magic to solve every little problem did no one any favors.
Melchior struck out, keeping her on the inside, placing himself as a buffer between her and the road. It was a sweet gesture and warmed her up to the man.
“You’ll need to be patient with Kiyo,” he said, voice rumbling like gravel rolling downhill. “She likes to think she’s the smartest out of all of us. You showing her up like that will have rubbed her the wrong way.”
“Oh is that the problem? I wondered.”
“It’s good for her. Don’t worry about it, things will work out on their own. They always do.” Melchior shot her a look from the corner of his eye. “Your dragon, now, that might take more getting used to.”
“I know it’s a bit much to take in all at once,” Mei Li responded, trying to be sympathetic. “I swear on anything you care to name he’s a good man, though. The dragon that rescued me sung his praises.”
“He’s certainly the most rational dragon I’ve ever seen. I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt just from how he’s reacted this morning. But Kiyo’s not going to be won over easily. Neither will Nord. Do you think he’ll handle that well?”
Older Shunlei certainly would. But younger Shunlei? No idea. “I hope he will.”
“Hmm.” Melchior abruptly changed subjects. “How good of a rider are you?”
“I can stay on and get the horse to go in the direction I want.”
“So not expert.”
Mei Li shrugged. “I’ve spent most of my life studying. When we did travel, it was sporadically. I can ride. I’m just probably not as good at it as you are.”
“Then let’s try and find you a nice, steady gelding. Something stout enough to carry double.” He shot her another look from under his bushy eyebrows. “If you’re sure on that.”
“Absolutely sure.” Probably.
It was still sinking in, that she was not only five thousand years in the past, but working with the original group that sealed so many magical problems. Her brain cramped under the realization of when and where she was. But if she had to land somewhere in time, even Mei Li had to admit that this wasn’t a bad place to be. This group was trustworthy, even if they weren’t entirely sure of what they were doing yet, and look! She’d even run into Shunlei quickly. If nothing else, she could depend on his help. Older Shunlei had said so.
They all ordered drinks first, as everyone was parched from running around and shouting, then belatedly ordered lunch as well. Sensing that only Hawes was truly comfortable with Shunlei, Mei Li encouraged her dragon friend to sit next to her, which he promptly did.
No one else around them seemed to realize they had a dragon in their midst. A few people looked at Shunlei at askance as they passed by, as seeing anyone in pure white was rare in this mix of farmers, traders, and day laborers. But a glance was all he got before they found a free table and went back to their own business. Odd, how things changed over time. In Mei Li’s time, people would have recognized Shunlei as a young dragon because of his skin tone.
Melchior drained his tankard in one gulp before raising it over his head and calling out, “Another! Alright, Lady Mei, you said you’d heard of other things. What things?”
Mei Li had not had much time to mentally phrase that answer, as they’d talked most of the way here, so answered carefully. “I’ve heard rumors of some and there’s one that’s truly worrying me. But let me check first. Acali’s Flute?”
“Subdued,” Kiyo assured her before sipping at her own tankard. “We handled that.”
“Excellent.” That also gave Mei Li a firmer grasp on where she stood in the timeline. “Then there’s two that I know of. There’s a sword somewhere in Bader—rumor places it near the mountains—that’s wreaking havoc. It keeps enslaving men’s minds and wreaking destruction through them. When the host can’t sustain it any longer, it’ll go dead in their hands until someone else picks it up.”
Nord hissed in a breath, goatee working into a deep frown. “I’d not heard of it. What else?”
“A minor deity, a water god, is trying to establish more dominance in the land,” Mei Li answered readily. “Gong is his name. I believe if he’s not intervened with soon, he’ll go power crazy and flood us out. What have you heard of?”
“There’s a white boned demon on the loose,” Kiyo reported flatly. “I received a message about it from my home last week. It’s apparently moving through Tanguay and south, searching for a holy man to eat.”
Seeing Shunlei’s confusion, Mei Li explained, “Bai Gu Jing is its true name, a skeletal monster that believes if it eats the flesh of a holy man, it’ll have immortal life. They’re tricky to catch as they are very capable shapeshifters.”
Hawes looked at her with interest. “You’ve heard of even that? Most people don’t know of it, as its something that originated from the Floating Isles, far north of the main continent. You are very well informed, Lady Mei.”
Mei Li gave him a smile. “I was very well taught. But in this, I think we have an advantage. Shunlei should be able to detect the white boned demon well before we can. Shunlei, you should be able to smell her. She’ll be wearing perfume to disguise it, so a human nose will be fooled, but she’ll smell of the grave and decay. If you detect that scent, covered with perfume, follow it immediately.”
He nodded instantly. “I’ll do that. And the sword? Which of these tasks should be our priority?”
That was an excellent question. Mei Li looked to Hawes for an answer. She didn’t begin to think she was in charge of this group. It would be wise of her to show that from the outset.
Hawes made a low, guttural sound in the back of his throat as he ruminated on it. “Kiyo, any other direction other than south for the white boned demon? Any hint who she might be chasing?”
“No, only that she’s been sighted in two different temples in Tanguay and seems to be heading south.”
“So she’s hitting holy places. That’s good to know.” Turning his head, Hawes stroked his red beard as he regarded Mei Li. “You said this sword causing trouble was somewhere in Bader?”
“Yes.” Spreading her hands in apology, she shrugged. The records on Ghost General Sword were vague on the location of where they’d found the sword—only that it had been in Bader, near the foot of the mountains. But that was a very long mountain range. “I can’t give you a firmer location either, as the sword moves freely about depending on the host. It could be in the mountains, the foothills, or anywhere along that area.”
“So no firm location there either. Hmmm. What do you think of crossing the mountains, heading east toward the sea, then going down from there? We may or may not cross paths with the white boned demon that way but at least we’ll be heading the right direction to find the sword.”
It was a sound plan and Mei Li had no issue with it. She nodded, echoing the manner of everyone else at the table.
“Then we’ll do that tomorrow. I’ll step out now and inform the Prince that we’ve acquired two new people in the party. Hopefully funds and supplies can catch up with us on the road that way.” Hawes heaved himself to his feet then paused there, studying Shunlei with his head cocked. “Can you carry passengers?”
“Only two at a time,” Shunlei answered forthrightly. “I’m not large enough or strong enough to do more.”
“But you can still do two, in a pinch.”
“I’ll need a harness of some sort to manage the two. You can’t mount me from behind—you’ll slide right off on the first upthrust.”
“So definitely not something we can do in the near future. Alright. Still, we should work on a harness so we’ve got it, if there’s an emergency. If you’re alright with that?”
Shunlei smiled, teeth bright in his skin. “I don’t mind it. If I can convince some of my brethren to help carry us all, I’ll do so. Just don’t hold your breath on that score.”
“I take it as something of a miracle to even meet you,” Hawes assured him dryly. “Don’t worry, I’m not expecting another miracle anytime soon.”
As Hawes left the table, Shunlei noted to Mei Li, “I adore you humans. You’re so quick to action.”
That remark made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. “Are dragons different?”
“Oh yes. We’d still be greeting each other if it were only dragons here. Never mind having a plan of action before lunch even arrived. My people are only quick to move during an emergency.”
Interesting. That wasn’t the case in modern times. Had dragon society changed to accommodate humans? Mei Li belatedly realized that there were many questions she’d failed to ask Older Shunlei.
Knowing some of the stories, at least, Mei Li thought it prudent to ask. “Do you have anyone that you need to alert before we leave this area?”
“I do, in fact. After lunch, if it’s acceptable, I’ll fly quickly over and be back by morning.” To everyone at the table, he explained, “I found a pair of orphaned eggs three days ago. I’ve negotiated for a brood mother to take them in and raise them. She finally agreed this morning. I was in fact on my way back to fetch the eggs from their hiding place when I stumbled upon all of you.”
Mei Li’s mouth opened, the offer on the tip of her tongue to go with him to help juggle the eggs, then she thought better of it. She was not in a time where a human could waltz into a brood mother’s nest and be welcome there. In fact, her presence might undo all of the negotiations that Shunlei had managed. “Should I carry a scenting stick so you can catch up with us on the road? You’ll need to catch some sleep tonight.”
“That’s very kind of you, Lady Mei. If you would. I’m not sure how travel arrangements will work on the road with all of you, actually.”
Lips pursed, he frowned sightlessly ahead. “I’ve no experience riding a horse. That is what you will mount, is it not?”
“It is,” Melchior agreed, also frowning. “We don’t have time to teach you.”
Likely not. Mei Li felt it prudent to offer, “You can ride with me.”
“If I’m not an imposition, I’ll do so.”
Lunch arrived, interrupting them, and they set to eating. Mei Li was dying to ask questions, to really capitalize on the chance to know her heroes better. She’d idolized these people for most of her childhood. She was terribly afraid that if she didn’t keep hold of her tongue, she’d start babbling. Mei Li had time to slowly get to know them better.
Probably too much time, truth be told.
Shunlei excused himself after lunch with a promise to catch up with them on the road. Mei Li caught her bag, intending to stand as well and find a shop, perhaps buy something for the road tomorrow.
“Lady Mei,” Kiyo stated in a demanding fashion. “I’m not familiar with the spell you used earlier.”
Right. Apparently with the dragon no longer present, at least one person felt freed enough to demand answers. “I’m not surprised, Lady Kiyo. I wasn’t formally taught in any school. I had a master who taught me directly.”
Her thin brows creased together. “I see. That would explain it.”
Melchior stirred, leaning forward on his elbows. “And how do you know the dragon’s language?”
“It’s called Long-go. I was shipwrecked a few years ago and stranded in a very remote area up past the Spine Ridge Mountains.” When that got blank looks, she tried the older name for the area. “Barren Mountains.”
“Oh,” Kiyo said in recognition. Of course she would know it, as her homeland was nearby. “There’s nothing up there.”
“Well, there is, a single fishing village. They took me in but wouldn’t let me leave. I finally stumbled across a dragon living in that area and he kindly gave me shelter and flew me back to civilization.” All true if very misleading.
“So you learned about dragons from him?”
“Some. My master taught me some as well.” Mei Li’s tongue was getting quite the workout. “It was my master that told me about Shunlei, in fact. I know it’s a bit hard for you to believe that a dragon wants to be humanity’s friend, but he truly is sincere. And he’s steadily making progress. I’ve heard many stories about him.”
Hawes slapped the table with his hand. “I like his spunk. Any man willing to help in a pinch I consider a friend. If he’s game to tame all of his race, I’ll offer my aid. Better to have the dragons tamed anyway.”
Right, Hawes was one of Shunlei’s first friends by all accounts. He was a steadfast supporter of Shunlei’s cause from the very beginning. She’d almost forgotten that in the heat of the moment. “I feel the same way.”
Being a practical leader, Hawes next asked, “What provisions have you?”
“Not enough,” Mei Li answered readily. “I’ve some ink, paper, and personal effects but no food. Really, if we’re going to be travelling and battling as we go, I don’t have enough ink or paper, either. And does anyone have twine?”
Nord raised his head and finally contributed to the conversation. “I do, a spool of it.”
Kiyo’s eyes were sharp on her, evaluating. “We’ve found it to be useful on several occasions.”
“Yes, so have I.” Despite her help earlier it was clear that Kiyo didn’t trust her magic just yet. Mei Li would have an uphill battle with her. Which was a shame, as she was the only other woman in the group, and Mei Li would much rather be friends. “How about I step out, pick up a few things?”
Melchior stood. “I’ll accompany you. I’m also short on food and water. We’ll need to acquire a horse for you as well.”
Also a good point. “If you would, sir.”
Melchior led the way out, his short and stocky frame barely clearing the doorway. He was too tall to be pure Dwarf but the flowing red beard that went down his chest and the pointed ears hinted of that ancestry. He moved like a boulder on legs, powerful but not entirely agile. He still was somehow walking Mei Li’s legs off, though. She had to stretch to keep up with him.
The town wasn’t large, barely big enough to be considered a trading hub, and all three main roads connected directly to a major highway. It made things easy when it came to finding a stock yard, as everything was visible from the center of town, where they now stood. Mei Li found it interesting to look about because the world was so very different now. Less technology, to start with. She didn’t see the hint of a single water wheel despite a river being nearby. More magical talismans seemed to be doing the job instead.
Abe had mentioned to her a few times that magic stunted the growth of technology until the trend switched to Evocation magic. Why bother inventing another way to do it when a magical talisman would do the job? He felt it impacted the world in a negative way and Mei Li, now that she saw the past, understood why. Using magic to solve every little problem did no one any favors.
Melchior struck out, keeping her on the inside, placing himself as a buffer between her and the road. It was a sweet gesture and warmed her up to the man.
“You’ll need to be patient with Kiyo,” he said, voice rumbling like gravel rolling downhill. “She likes to think she’s the smartest out of all of us. You showing her up like that will have rubbed her the wrong way.”
“Oh is that the problem? I wondered.”
“It’s good for her. Don’t worry about it, things will work out on their own. They always do.” Melchior shot her a look from the corner of his eye. “Your dragon, now, that might take more getting used to.”
“I know it’s a bit much to take in all at once,” Mei Li responded, trying to be sympathetic. “I swear on anything you care to name he’s a good man, though. The dragon that rescued me sung his praises.”
“He’s certainly the most rational dragon I’ve ever seen. I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt just from how he’s reacted this morning. But Kiyo’s not going to be won over easily. Neither will Nord. Do you think he’ll handle that well?”
Older Shunlei certainly would. But younger Shunlei? No idea. “I hope he will.”
“Hmm.” Melchior abruptly changed subjects. “How good of a rider are you?”
“I can stay on and get the horse to go in the direction I want.”
“So not expert.”
Mei Li shrugged. “I’ve spent most of my life studying. When we did travel, it was sporadically. I can ride. I’m just probably not as good at it as you are.”
“Then let’s try and find you a nice, steady gelding. Something stout enough to carry double.” He shot her another look from under his bushy eyebrows. “If you’re sure on that.”
“Absolutely sure.” Probably.
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