Page 40 of Sword & Shadow
After a moment of consideration, the highlord understood. “Mucker. Means friend.”
“Then why not call you ‘friend’?”
“There’s nearly a thousand miles of land between our two countries, Jonn,” he said. “So much separation and space are bound to create some differences.”
“But we speak the same language.”
“Yet, our accents are different. So is our colloquial speech.”
Deckard found himself growing curious to discover the roots of the Waulden accent and turns of phrases. He wondered if there might be a book on the subject. Regardless, if he were to continue going in and out of the settlements with Auden, he’d need to learn their everyday expressions and slang.
The farrier and his stable boy returned with their fully saddled horses. Most of them resembled any standard Ephrian horse, with short brown and black coats. However, there was a smaller one of a heartier build, with large white patches splotched over its black coat and a silk-like mane.
Once the horses and coins were exchanged, and they’d begun their journey back to camp, Deckard asked about the unique breed.
“A Brounes Gypsy,” Auden said. “They’re mostly used for pulling carts or wagons, making them excellent traveling horses. I’d have liked to have more, but he gave me a deal on the others.”
Upon their return to camp, there was a general confusion as to why they’d only brought back five horses when they’d taken enough money for seven. Graciously, Auden kept Deckard’s secret, telling them that the supplies had cost more than expected.
“We’ll get two more when we arrive near Vaulley,” he announced.
Ilain quirked one of her sharp eyebrows. “That’s three days away. Why don’t we stop in Jourdan tomorrow?”
“I’d rather put more distance between us and Blount’s Night Mages before we stop again.”
Everyone agreed with the sentiment, leaving Rafferty to ask the inevitable question that remained. “So who’s doubling up?”
A collective silence fell, no one wanting to volunteer.
Evylin rolled her eyes. “I’ll ride with Jonn.”
“It won’t be comfortable,” Deckard warned.
“We’ve done it twice before.”
Thom piped up then. “Ethenn and Raff are short enough that they could probably share.”
Both men sent him scathing looks.
Evylin grinned at their reaction but shook her head. “With all his muscle, I’d imagine Ethenn weighs as much as you.”
Ilain sighed. “Very well, I’ll volunteer. Whom shall I ride with?”
The four remaining men considered it. Rafferty and Ethenn looked ready to offer, but Thom spoke first. “I’d be honored to escort you, milady.”
Everyone stared at him in shock.
Folding her hands on her lap, Ilain batted her lashes at him. “Are you certain that you can bear being so close to me?”
“I think I’ll manage for three days,” he said, with a suggestiveness to his tone that made Deckard’s brow pinch.
Was his brotherflirtingwith Ilain?
“With that all sorted,” Rafferty said, distracting from the strange moment, “which horse is mine?”
Within an hour, they rode out, old and new belongings packed into the saddlebags. Rafferty wound up with the gypsy horse whom he’d affectionately begun calling Betsy. Ilain sat behind Thom, full skirts splayed out behind her.
“Try not to get too attached to me,” Thom said as she adjusted the fabric.
