All in broad daylight without hesitation.
The Elves really did believe they owned everyone and everything. Though I certainly had no love for Dardick, I was offended on behalf of the human race.
Pharis led Ruby to stop just in front of us. “This really is a nice horse,” he said.
My hands went to my hips. “And you just stole it.”
“Of course not. I’m not a horse thief,” he said, tipping his head back toward the Creegan’s place. “I left some coin there on the fencepost.”
Taking in my aghast expression, he added, “A generous amount. He doesn’t know how to ride properly anyway. He’d have ridden the poor animal into a ditch one night while he was in his cups.”
Placing his hands around my waist and obviously preparing to lift me onto his own horse, he said, “Now come on, unless you’re eager to be reunited with His Majesty King Pontus.”
I certainly was not, and I was even less eager to let the King get his hands on my family. We really had no choice.
But I had no intention of riding with Pharis again. I backed out of his clasp.
“I’ll ride Ruby with Papa. The girls will ride with you.”
“You don’t know how to ride,” Pharis argued.
“My father does. He’s blind, but I’ll alert him to any obstacles or change in direction.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Throwing his palms up in a surrender pose, Pharis said, “Very well. Let’s just get on with it.”
Looking down—far down—at my tiny sisters, he moved toward them then stopped.
“Do they scratch as well?” he asked me.
“They’re not kittens, they’re girls,” I said. “Meet Tindra and Turi. Girls, this is Pharis, my… friend from Merisola.”
He gave them a shallow bow.
“Don’t worry,” I reassured my sisters. “He’s ugly, but he’s not dangerous.”
Pharis’ shocked expression as he whipped his head toward me almost made me laugh. If we weren’t preparing to flee for our lives, it might have.
Neither of my sisters responded. They were either in awe or catatonic with fear.
In the past two weeks, I’d grown almost accustomed to the sight of Elven men, but they’d literally never seen one before.
“He’s going to lift you onto his horse, who’s called…” I waited for Pharis to supply the name.
“Cimmerian,” he said.
When Pharis bent, preparing to lift Turi, she scrambled back, clinging to my father’s leg. She started to cry.
“I want to ride with Papa.”
“I want to ride with Papa, too,” Tindra whined. “I can give him directions.”
Pharis shook his head then tipped his chin heavenward again, as if seeking strength from the Great Star. Clearly he had no experience with children.
Though Tindra was only eight, she was a capable girl and very smart. She was right. She could do it.
And when we weren’t traveling at a full gallop, it might be possible to lead their horse with the lead line.
