A Horse as a Character and Free Excerpt

 

PG Excerpt from THE ROGUE'S RING

OnceBryce had peeled the frozen coat from his body, he headed up the ladder. Theblankets were reasonably clean. Heat enveloped him within minutes of havingnestled beneath them.

“A short nap is all I need.” His voice echoed amid the rafters. The outside rush of wind and pitter-patter of sleet accentuated the weariness evident in hisvoice. The cold that had washed over him as he and Ghost rode the traildisappeared. Having only a few blankets for warmth saddened him.

What I’d give for a lass to share my bed…

A dream about Cat and her luscious lips disappeared when he awokein the dark. No sounds emanated from the roof, meaning the sleet had abated.The darkness concerned him, though. He had overslept, which might be thelingering result of the sleeping draught Cat had given him.

He hated to head out in the dark, but the better weather meant hemight get out of the area and closer to Inverness sooner. Climbing down fromthe loft, Ghost snorted his disapproval at being ignored and alone for so long.Turning his head, he neighed so loud a barn owl flew from the rafters and out abroken window.

“Now, do not be upset. You hated having sleet coat your head asmuch as I. Here.”

The beast gulped down the fresh water and a handful of oats Bryceoffered him.

“We need to go, my friend.”

The farmer appeared before Bryce could lead Ghost from the barn.“Leaving this late, my lord? My wife sent ye some food and wine.”

“My thanks to you and your wife. I overslept, so must be on myway.” He grabbed the sliced loaf of bread stuffed with a hunk of ham andcheese. He ignored the wine. 

“Which way toward Inverness? The road closest to the sea wasblocked by downed trees.”

“The main road be that a way, my lord. With the clouds gone, themoon should light yer way, good enough.”

Mounting atop Ghost, he tipped his cap and rode away, eager toleave the area in his wake. As they trotted along and Bryce chewed his food, hethought back to the lass he had loved years earlier. She lived on a similarfarm in the same area, and had welcomed him into her heart and into her bed. 

 

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