Rider by Diane J Cornwell

Author:Diane J Cornwell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, magic, dragons, mages, tracker horses
Publisher: Tift Publishing

Chapter 10

The last road heading east on the southern outskirts of Edgewood was busy with loaded drays and wagons moving towards the rear of the wharf, and empty vehicles heading back west, so Dallas turned Swift north at the next lane running between two paddocks filled with turnips, then right again on the next road that lead to the wharf or back towards the market square.

The breeze from the west was still cool, even though the sun heated the ground. He pushed the hood of his cloak back, but kept the cloak around his shoulders.

He thought about removing the cloak when he turned a corner and was out of sight for a moment, but decided there was no point in removing the cloak when whoever watched had studied Swift long enough to recognise her again, whether he wore the cloak or not.

As soon as he turned into the lane, the feeling of someone watching disappeared. He was not sure if they were hurrying back to the market square to wait for him to arrive, or if they somehow knew he was heading back to the Black Horse Inn, and would wait for him there.

Swift walked around groups of talking men, and moved to the middle of the road to avoid women hurrying along the sidewalk, with either slaves or children following.

All Dallas could do was watch for anyone who looked like they waited to attack him, but was surprised that everyone ignored Swift and him. It could be his brown clothes and cloak helped him blend in with the locals, or the fact that they saw many strangers arrive and leave on the ships that docked at the wharf, so the appearance of a stranger was commonplace.

Swift sent an image of four black cloaked males standing on a flat roof watching Dallas ride Swift along the street.

“You could be right. A mage or two could be watching from a safe distance, but I don’t know how they would do that.” Dallas patted Swift’s neck with his right arm and a slight pain spread across his shoulder. One more day of resting his shoulder and it should be healed enough for the ride west to searched for Heath.

Swift sent an image of Arrow, twice as large as normal, chewing grain.

“Then we need to return to Arrow and pack for the trip west tomorrow.” He hoped it would not be too soon to take Arrow on the journey.

Again, Swift sent an image. This version had Arrow trotting beside Swift.

Dallas smiled at the image. Swift showed her nose just ahead of Arrow. Dallas was not sure if Swift felt she was faster than Arrow, or she allowed for his lack of fitness by only trotting, and not galloping.

They reached the Wharf Road, and turned towards the market square.

When they reached the ring road, Dallas glanced towards the flat roofed building on the right. The roof was empty. He turned Swift left on the ring road.

A heated argument warned Dallas something was wrong when he reached the stable next to the Black Horse Inn.

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