Linton slows his pace and I see ahead in the gloom some lights.
“Where are we?”
“Inn,” he growls.
Unable to help myself, I shiver. Maybe it’s the idea of meeting others in the company of my Bluecap, or possibly it’s because I’m in my nightclothes (and no underwear) I feel this might be awkward.
“Kaitlyn?” Linton is looking at me like I might break.
The way he says my name, in his deep rasp, is as if I’m the only creature in the entire universe.
“Are we…staying there?”
He blows out a hot breath. “I would continue our journey all night, but you say humans need rest and food. I have seen your food, and I’m not sure I like it, but if you like it, then you should have it.”
His chest heaves from the stream of words. I’m not entirely sure what to make of it, but I know, even with Linton carrying me, I can’t continue all night. I’m hungry, thirsty, and I ache.
I’m going to pick a night resting in an inn over the alternative.
Linton pads up to the inn. Outside torches burn brightly, and I think for a minute we’re going in the front door, but then he swerves, and instead we enter the stable yard. Horses poke their heads out of stalls, see Linton, and blow great snorts into the night air.
He lowers me to my feet. I have to cling to him for a moment or two until the circulation comes back. Linton grunts slightly, and I realise I have hold of the edge of his wing. It’s incredibly soft, like deep pile velvet.
“Sorry.” I let go instantly.
“There are things you should know about me, Kaitlyn,” Linton says.
I look at his head. It’s covered in what looks like shards of glass, glittering in the flickering torch light.
“Bluecap,” a voice growls behind us, “what are you doing here?”
Linton turns with a growl as an absolutely enormous creature walks into the light. It’s a centaur. His chestnut flanks gleam like a shiny penny, his muscular torso, in sharp contrast, streaked with dirt.
“Warden.” Linton nods. “I am staying here with my female.”
“Youhave a female?” the centaur rumbles. “Wonders will never cease in the Yeavering. First the Wyrm and now you.”
“And the Barghest,” Linton says.
“TheBarghestis mated?” the centaur booms.
“Um, we’re not mated,” I say, pointing between me and Linton.
“You look like you are in your wedding attire,” Warden says, looking me up and down.
Linton growls deep in his chest, and I feel like my sartorial situation has gone from bad to worse.
“I’m not. We’re just…friends,” I finish lamely.
Warden barks out a hearty laugh. “The Bluecap doesn’t have any friends, do you, Linton?” He levels his gaze at us. “Not given yourhabits.”
Linton continues to growl, a set of sharp fangs on full display.
“I’m due back in the Night Lands.” Warden stomps across the yard. “But it’s good I’ve seen you. I hear Tam Lin is interested in your services, and I would suggest you decline.”
“Why?” Linton forces the word out of his mouth.
“He isn’t who he appears to be.”
