by Cheryl Dyson
******
Toryn climbed out of the sea with his hands on Bloodsong’s reins. The horse snorted water out of his nostrils and tossed his head. Toryn turned to watch Daryna tug her dun horse out of the waves. Garyn and his steed still swam from the ship.
"I still don’t see why you insist upon coming along," Toryn snapped to Daryna as he took one of his boots from Bloodsong’s saddle and pulled it on.
"We’ve been over this," she said calmly. Toryn tried not to notice how her clothing clung to her body and revealed every curve. She had worn leather every day since he had met her, until now. He wondered if she had planned her wardrobe just for the effect and decided it was probable. Most of the time she reminded him of a hungry beast of prey ready to pounce. When she had chosen the pale blouse and knee-length brown skirt, she had likely known exactly what she would look like, coming out of the water in the sodden cloth.
"What if I beg you not to come?"
She shrugged. "Then I will be twice as determined to be a thorn in your side," she said in a grim voice. "I have never been out of Thalarii and this may be my only chance."
"Fine. If we’re attacked by howling demons, do not expect me to save you."
"Toryn!" Garyn burst out, shocked. He had exited the surf in time to catch the last remark. "Ignore him, Daryna. He did not mean it."
"I can take care of myself!" she said.
Garyn’s jaw dropped at the sight of her. The wet material left nothing to the imagination. Toryn glanced at Garyn and laughed aloud. If he wanted the little viper, he was absolutely welcome to her.
A small boat fought the waves and skidded onto the beach. Kor’s face was taut with annoyance. Poodik had absolutely refused to get into the water, forcing Kor to unload the dinghy and row him to shore.
"How are you, Poodik?" Toryn asked as he approached the boat. The question brought a storm of words from the Voor and he gestured with his spear at the ship, the water, Toryn, and everything else in sight. Apparently he was not pleased. "I see." Toryn smiled. He turned and looked back at Daryna and Garyn, who had both mounted their horses. "Let’s move inland and make camp. It’s too cold here on the beach." The wind from the water was quite chilly on wet skin.
After bidding farewell to Kor and expressing his gratitude, Toryn joined the others and they rode until they reached a small, grassy basin that provided some shelter from the wind. Toryn left Bloodsong saddled and built a small fire. At Daryna’s curious gaze, he said, "Bloodsong needs to run a bit. I'll take him for a ride before I unsaddle him."
She shrugged and brushed her horse while Garyn unsaddled his. Poodik gathered firewood from nearby dead bushes. Toryn waited until the fire was steady before he returned to Bloodsong and mounted. Garyn looked at him curiously.
"Are you going to hunt?"
Toryn shook his head and fought a wave of guilt. "Garyn, I need you to take Daryna and Poodik to the Black City in Darkynhold. Ask for the prince there—I have forgotten his name—and tell him you are friends of Brydon Redwing. Wait for me there."
"What? Wait a minute—!"
"Where are you going?" Daryna demanded.
"I hate to leave you like this, but my responsibility is to Brydon. He is going to get himself killed and I need to stop him. Remember, go to the Black City." Before Daryna could jump forward and grab his reins, he wheeled Bloodsong and raced out of the basin. He saw Garyn snatch his saddle and run for his horse, but Toryn gave Bloodsong his head. The chestnut stallion had been confined aboard ship for too long and he was eager to run. He stretched his head into the wind and thundered along as if possessed. Toryn put his face near the whipping mane and let the horse run, glorying in the awesome feeling of it.
Bloodsong finally slowed. Lather dripped from the bridle and coated his dark neck where the reins had rubbed. Toryn brought him to a prancing walk and looked back into the darkness. Even if Garyn and the others were able to follow his trail, they would never catch him.
It wasn’t long before Bloodsong was ready to run again, much to Toryn’s amazement. He let him go and continued alternately walking and galloping the horse until dawn’s faint light touched the horizon. He dismounted then and slept, exhausted, while Bloodsong stood over him and waited for him to awaken.
Toryn had no idea that he had crossed half of Silver that night.
