The sound of hoof beats racing after her had Eva looking over her shoulder to find Jason bearing down on her with a determined look.
"I'm coming with you so don't bother arguing," Jason informed her.
Lightning flashed, followed by a deafening crack of thunder several seconds later. Eva glanced at the sky, feeling the wind pick up. It tugged at her hair and clothes, pushing against them. Almost like it was urging them back.
No rain though. At least not yet, but it wouldn't be long.
"I didn't try to stop you," Eva called.
Brisa darted past Eva, veering so she didn't collide with her. Her head dropped so she was staring at Eva from under one wing. "You could have at least waited for me."
Jason waved a hand at her, trying to shoo her away. "You're not invited. Go back."
Brisa lifted, gaining height as she trailed them from above.
Jason scowled. "Can't you do something about her."
Eva hid her smile in Caia's mane. The answer was no, but Jason's frustration amused her. Once upon a time, she'd been the focus of that hostility. Look where they'd ended up as a result.
It made her wonder if Jason and Brisa would soon be the best of friends. It was an entertaining thought, but for now she needed to concentrate on the matter at hand.
Drake joined her, his mount running at full speed until he caught up with Eva and Jason. "Caden won't be happy about this."
"There isn't a choice. He will have to understand," Eva said.
The horses, now more than ever, were essential to the Trateri's safety. They could survive losing a few but too many and the group's speed would be compromised.
"We're just going to take a look," Eva said as much for herself as him. "See if we can recover the four quickly."
Drake's face was tight, unhappy about the risk.
"You have until it starts to rain," he said finally.
Eva urged Caia faster. That would have to be enough.
twenty-two
They'donlyriddenfora few minutes before Eva found signs of the first horse. The daft beasts had managed to take a turn somewhere and find their way down one of the off shoots of the main gorge
Eva looked up at the sloping hills around them as she slowed Caia, not wanting to spook the bay. Jason didn't wait for direction, sliding from his mount and moving slowly toward the mare.
He crooned in the back of his throat, stopping when the mare lifted her head. He was careful not to look directly at her as he kept his side toward the mare. He swung the lead rope he held, keeping the motions gentle and low as he herded her into a more favorable spot where he could easily catch her.
Caia and Eva held still, letting the mare get comfortable with their scent.
Eva had long mastered this skill, finding a place in her head that was peaceful. Where nothing else mattered but bonding with her charge.
When she fell into this mindset, the world stopped existing. There were no worries or pressure. Just her and the creature in front of her.
When he was close enough, Jason reached out and grabbed the mare’s halter in one smooth movement. The mare's head jerked, before she settled under Jason's touch.
"Impressive," Eva drawled.
Jason smiled at her, still petting the mare's nose. "I learned from the best."
Several of the Trateri who had followed them at Drake's order moved forward, taking the mare from Jason.
"Get her back to Ollie," he said, giving the lead to them.
