The Searcher - 2. Making Ready

As Stravor walked back to the Silverhide Inn, he considered his parents’ words. Hemothracene, has always been with me. Father served. Then I. But Father’s words are not of someone with a glad heart. And what of Mother saying I should flee?

Against his thigh the Sword moaned softly, attracting his attention. The Searcher reached down to grasp the hilt. “Shhh, tis all right. These are not serious contemplations, my beauty. Have no fear.”

After passing the Undertaker’s, he stopped to gaze at a small field that held a variety of wildflowers. He noted Cut-Root and Ere-do-well.

Stravor stopped himself before bending to pick them. “It’s that damned witch’s soul I carried that is lingering.” He chuckled. “I shall never forget the potion for fungus of the finger.”

Before moving away, the Searcher bent swiftly and picked a sky-blue flower. He gazed at the perfect petals for a moment, and then slipped it into his hip-pouch, before continuing his journey.

~

As he neared the Silverhide, Stravor could hear the commotion before he saw it. He pulled the door open and slipped inside. His nostrils widened at the coppery smell of blood.

“Stravor, please!” Dayson appeared at his side. “Thank the Gods … can you stop them?”

The Searcher nodded at his friend, and then observed the scene before him. “Aye. Leave it to me.”

Stravor walked toward the two men. He noted that they bled freely; wounded from knives each of them carried. They circled, their eyes on the other, while uttering obscene oaths.

Many patrons pressed against the walls in fear, while others urged the combatants on.

Upon being drawn from its scabbard, the blade of the Life Sword glowed red. The Searcher himself seemed to increase in size as he spoke. “Enough!”

All in the tavern turned toward the voice, for it was, it seemed, not a voice of their world. It was bass, and was felt rather than heard. The Inn’s patrons clutched their breasts as the sound punched at their living hearts.

The fighters stopped and faced Stravor.

The taller of the two took a menacing step forward. “Who are you?”

The Searcher’s eyes were full black. A grim smile settled on his lips as he watched the man move closer. “Do not. For it is with pleasure I would take your worthless soul to the Hall of the Dead.”

The Sword of Harman moaned as the man drew still closer, its edges shone blue. The hilt quivered in Stravor’s hand, its excitement obvious.

The man dropped his knife and drew his sword. “You’re mortal, Searcher. You bleed.” He stepped forward and lunged.

Stravor dropped back, out of reach of the blade. “Indeed, I am mortal. But this …” He took two swift steps forward. He blocked the man’s sword with his bracer and pressed the Sword on the man’s chest. It howled, and the room filled with its blue aura. The Searcher’s eyes met his opponent’s; together they watched as the Sword entered his body, seemingly without pressure. Stravor smiled and finished his sentence “… is not.”

Everyone froze as the man stood still, the Sword deep in his chest. Its colour changed as it drew the soul from its owner.

“It’s the colour of the Purpel Mountains.”

“Gods, see his hand … purple.”

People in the crowd saw something few did as the soul travelled through the Sword and into the Searcher’s body. Stravor pulled the Sword of Harman from the man. The corpse stood on its own for a moment before collapsing to the floor.

With dripping sword in hand, Stravor’s fierce gaze found the other man. He had backed away and stood gasping beside the huge hearth.

“You … do you wish to challenge me also?” The Searcher took steps toward the other combatant.

“No! No. Please, I was just … I … won’t ….”

“No, you shall not.” Stravor stopped, knowing the fight was finished. “You shall take a bucket and clean this mess and take the dead to be burned.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Dayson hurried to his friend’s side. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I will go to the Hall now and remove this horror from inside me.” Stravor still held the blood covered sword. It was quiet in his left hand. “Then I will return. I want ale, food and Keter at a table by the fire.”

“You shall have all, Stravor. Thank you.”

“Tis fine, Day.”

As he walked, people moved out of his and the Sword’s way.

~

Keter had watched in awe as the purple moved up the sword and into Stravor’s hand. He remained on the stairs where he’d observed the fight and Stravor’s interference.

The boy smiled. He’s a good man, for all his attempts to be otherwise.

Keter slipped off the top step when he heard Dayson call him. He ran down the stairs and went to the bar, smiling at his master. “Yes, Dayson?”

“Do you have a problem spending the night with Stravor?”

“No, I’d enjoy it. He’s a wonder.”

“Is he?” Dayson felt a twinge of jealousy; but pushed it away. “Well—”

“I haven’t seen you, but earlier Stravor gave me this for you.” Keter held out the gold coin. “He said he wanted me and another bed for the night.”

Dayson took the coin. “I see. Well, go and set the table next to the fire. He wants that one. I’ve got the kitchen making you both a good meal. He’s earned his today.”

“Yes, Dayson. I’ll see to it.”

Keter busied himself setting the table and then helped the man who was cleaning up the blood stains from the floor.

The boy wrapped the young man’s left bicep, where he’d been cut.

“Thank you; you’re kind.”

“Tis fine. Why were you fighting?” Keter knelt beside the man and began to scrub.

“Long story. We’d travelled together for a few weeks. He thought I’d stolen from him.”

“Did you?” Keter sat back on his heels.

“No! He got drunk and lost his silver, playing bones.” The man dipped his bloody rag in the bucket of water and then rung it out. “Then blamed me for it and pulled his knife. If that Searcher hadn’t stepped in … well, it would be me that would be dead.”

“Sounds like a great travelling companion. Did you have to sleep with one eye open?”

“He wasn’t that bad.”

Keter rinsed his rag. “So, what will you do now?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have much coin right now.” The man stopped. He leaned toward Keter and whispered, “You work here … do you think your master would hire me? I’ll do anything.”

Keter took note of the man. He wasn’t old, maybe about the same age as himself. “Well, I can ask Dayson. Can you do anything special?”

“No, but I’m strong and I’ll do anything … mostly.”

“What’s your name? I am Keter.”

“Galeth.”

The man-boy got to his feet. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Keter went off in search of Dayson.

He found the master out in the stables. Dayson was cleaning the stalls.

“Dayson, can I speak with you for a minute?” Keter leaned on the wall.

The innkeeper looked up, stopped and leaned on his rake. “Yes. What is it?”

“I was talking to the man … Galeth.”

“Who?”

“Galeth, the one Stravor did not kill.”

“I see. Well what about him?”

“Do you have a job for him?” Keter shrugged. “His companion lost all their money. He says he’s strong and is willing to work. I mean, like for instance, you are the innkeeper; you should be inside.”

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Dayson considered the boy’s words. “I’ll have a word, go and get him. But … but I want that floor clean before dinner is being served!”

“It will be. Thanks, Dayson!” Keter trotted back into the main hall. He stopped in front of Galeth. “He will speak to you. Come, I’ll show you where he is.”

“Thank you ….”

“Come on, before he changes his mind.” Keter tugged on Galeth’s arm.

The two walked together, and Keter stopped at the entrance of the stable. He pointed. “There’s Dayson. Go on. He doesn’t bite … normally.”

Galeth grinned. “That is good to know … I think.”

The pair giggled.

“He doesn’t expect me to sleep with him, does he?” Galeth’s gray eyes widened.

Keter laughed again. “No, I don’t think so. Anyway, he only likes the willing kind of boy.”

“Good news once more. Thank you again. I’ll go to speak with him.”

“I’ll go work on the floor.” With that, Keter returned to the inn.

 

The young man approached Dayson with his head bowed. “Greetings, Innkeeper Sir. I am Galeth. I am very sorry for the trouble earlier. I am grateful for the Searcher stepping in as he did and that you are willing to speak with me.”

Dayson examined the younger man. Seems fit enough. Then aloud he said, “Do you know anything about ponies and stabling them? My man just left, with not so much as a farewell.”

Nodding, Galeth replied, “I know a little, Sir. I know how to clean their stalls, keep the leathers soft. I can feed them.”

“That is good news. If you wish, I’ll give you a week’s trial. But I expect a good day’s work from you. You will get one tankard of ale, meals daily, and five pieces of silver for the week. After the week, we’ll discuss wages again. Are you amiable to this?”

“Yes. Thank you, Sir.”

“Good. Go then, and dispose of the body,” Dayson told his new employee. “Then return and finish in here.”

“Yes, Dayson.”

~

Thank the Gods. Stravor walked into the main hall of the Silverhide Inn. It’s quiet. The scent of blood though, remains.

He made his way to the bar. Patrons moved aside for him without complaint. He settled on the last stool at the far end. The Sword was quiet on his hip.

Dayson approached his friend. “Stravor, thank you again. I ….”

The Searcher just smiled and said, “I need ale, my friend. It has been a long day.”

Dayson held a pewter pot under the taps and filled it. “Your meal is on me, tonight. To thank you.” The landlord placed the full tankard before his friend.

Stravor picked up the mug and drank deeply. He put the half-filled container down and wiped his mouth. “Your ale is the finest, Day. I miss it when I am on the road.”

The innkeeper leaned against the bar. “I’m glad you find it to your taste. Will you leave again soon?”

After downing the rest of the beer, Stravor asked for another. “I fear this next trip will be very hard. I want to discuss a purchase with you.”

“Purchase? What? A pony?”

“The man-boy.”

Dayson placed the refilled pewter pot in front of his friend. He leaned close. “God’s teeth! You want to buy Keter?”

“Aye, I’d like to take him with me. How much?”

“Why do you want him along? Where are you going?”

Stravor’s dark eyes revealed nothing as Dayson met them. “Damn you, Stravor, he is a good earner for me.”

“Indeed. So, I will pay fairly for him.” Stravor pulled three gold coins from the small pouch. He placed the coins on the table. “Enough?”

Dayson picked them up. “This once more, and he is yours.”

Again, the Searcher dug into the little bag and handed the innkeeper another three coins. “Here you are.”

“He’s yours. Still, damn you, Stravor!” Dayson leaned closer and hissed, “You’d do well to look after him.”

Stravor cocked his head and was about to open his mouth, when Dayson called into the main hall, “Keter, come here.”

Stravor grinned at his friend and watched his new boy come toward them.

Dayson shook a fist at Stravor, then spoke to the lad, “Keter. You are now Stravor’s property. You’ll listen to him.”

Keter stared at Dayson, then Stravor and smiled hugely. “I’m yours? Shall I get your meal?”

The Searcher nodded. “Yes, our meals. You will eat with me, man-boy. Bring extra bread and a jug of wine.”

Dayson made a face and crossed his arms. “I’ll give you a jug of red.”

Stravor banged his hand on the bar. The Sword moaned, and people around him jumped. “Boy, move your arse and get our food. I am hungry!”

Keter did as he was told. He brought food and wine to the table that sat next to the fire.

Stravor ate and drank with relish.

Keter watched his new master carefully. I must make sure to keep him well-fed.

The boy picked up the wine jug and filled Stravor’s tankard. “More food?”

Stravor scraped the last of his food from the plate, ate it, and dropped the fork down. He picked up his wine and drank it all. He banged down the empty vessel, and sat back. “Damn, I needed that!”

Keter sat next to him and grinned. “Have you had your fill, Stravor?”

The Searcher ran his tongue over and around his teeth. Then he found the eyes of his new man-boy, and grabbed the lad’s hand. This he moved to his thickening member. He pulled the boy closer. “I have, but this, has not.”

With a smirk, Keter rubbed Stravor’s hardening manhood. “I can take care of this, Sir.”

Stravor pushed the lad away. “Aye, that you can, and will. Later. First, tell me what possessions have you? We have a journey ahead.”

Keter’s blue eyes widened. “You wish me to travel with you?”

“Aye, lad. You are mine. You will companion me on my travels for Hemothracene. Does this trouble you?”

“No … no, Stravor.” Keter scrambled to find the right words. “Of course, I am yours now. Only, I’ve never travelled. Possessions? I have little, Sir. What would I need?”

“This trip will be long. For it you will need clothes, not the slut-rags you wear here. Boots also, you cannot be barefooted in the wilds.”

The wilds? Where does he take me?

“Your eyes hold fear, boy! Do not be afraid. I will take care of you and we both have Hemothracene’s protection.” Stravor pulled a slim cigar from his pouch. Using a twig from the fire, he lit it. He enjoyed the sweet odor of the smoke-weed and sat back in his seat. “Boy, clear away this mess. Get me a tankard of Dayson’s finest ale and a small one for yourself. Then return to me.” Stravor gave the boy a piece of silver. “Pay him.”

Keter stacked the dishes and slipped the coin into a pocket. With a quick nod, he answered, “Yes, Stravor.”

Once the man-boy returned, they sat together to drink their ale.

Night drew in more deeply. The Searcher stretched. “It is late, boy. Let us retire to bed. Do you know how to massage a man?”

Keter smiled knowingly. Stravor laughed.

“Aye, but I do not mean that! At least not right away.” The Searcher got to his feet. He reached around and pulled Keter up also. Together the pair climbed the inn’s staircase.

~

Keter straddled Stravor’s lower back while he attempted to give his master a massage.

“Rub harder, man-boy!”

Keter pushed against Stravor’s huge back. “I … am … trying … Sir.”

“You are slight for this work. On my back, on your knees … move around slowly.”

“As you say, master.” Keter climbed onto the Searcher’s back and crawled. At one point as he turned, he tumbled off but landed safely on the bed.

Stravor laughed. He moved swiftly and pulled the boy atop himself. Grasping the lad’s head, he drew it forward. They kissed, the Searcher’s tongue deep in his boy’s mouth. Keter groaned and held his master’s shoulders. Each could feel the other’s need.

After another twenty minutes of kisses and groping, the Searcher told the boy to get down.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Run down and fetch us ale, boy.” Stravor sat up in bed. He was naked and sat without a covering. “What are you looking at, lad?”

“You, Sir. You are magnificent.”

The Searcher laughed. “Get off with you, boy!”

“Yes, Sir.”

Keter returned with a jug of ale and two cups. He served a full measure to Stravor and half to himself. He placed the cups on small tables on either side of the bed, and then climbed on. He settled himself near enough to his master, so he could feel the big man’s heat. He sipped his ale as he watched Stravor dig into his pouch.

Stravor pulled out another slim cigar and then remembered the blue flower he’d picked earlier. He held the tiny thing in his fingers.

“What is that, Sir?”

“Tis an Ere-do-well blossom.” Stravor examined the much-wilted stalk. “You know, when souls sit inside of me, as the witch’s did, I learn of them, feel them. His soul is the reason I picked this for you. He liked beautiful things.”

“Me?” Keter’s blue eyes travelled to Stravor.

The Searcher did not return the look. Instead he continued to gaze at the flower. “I thought you might find it pretty … the blue is that of your eyes … Damn! It is dying, and because of the fight earlier, I forgot to give it to you. I shall get you another!”

“No ….” Keter reached out and gently took the wilted blossom. “No, Sir. I shall keep this one. Please. Even another would wilt in time … this one is the one I should have.”

“Are you sure, boy? I ….”

Stravor’s words were cut off by Keter’s lips. “Aye, Sir. I am sure.”

“Tidy the bed, man-boy.” Stravor moved the lad away and swung his legs over the side. “I will rid myself of this ale.”

“Master, I am yours now, am I not?”

“Aye.”

“Then, please, I am not longer a man-boy. I am yours only.”

The man stood up and glanced at Keter. “Aye—his left hand found and stroked his cock—and I will avail myself of you. Then we shall sleep.”

~

Afterwards, Keter lay snuggled against Stravor. “What does the morning bring, Sir?”

“Breakfast. Then we buy supplies and a sturdy pony. He will carry our goods, and you.”

Keter raised himself onto one elbow. He ran his right hand over Stravor’s chest and belly. He just enjoyed the feel of the muscles and warmth of the man’s strong body. “I can walk, Sir. I do not need to ride.”

Stravor lay with his eyes closed. The boy’s touch was awakening his desire. “The journey is long, boy. You will be grateful of the respite the pony will give.”

“And you, master? Do you not need respite?”

“I do not.” Stravor laughed. “Your touch has roused me once more.” He grabbed the boy’s hand and placed on his now-stiff member. “I need release, not a rest. You will mount this, and ride. To practice.”

Keter grinned. He did as he was bidden and lowered himself onto Stravor’s thick cock.

Stravor gripped the boy’s thighs. His eyes darkened as he urged the boy on. “Ride it, damn you, man-b … boy. Ride like all the demons of the underworld were chasing you.”

 

The morning sun found Keter entwined in Stravor’s arms. The boy twitched as his dreams tormented him. Finally, his blue eyes fluttered open. Where am I?

He lay quietly for a moment, the dream tantalizingly close, yet he could not remember. Again, he wondered where he was. I remember now. Mmmm. The Searcher’s arms held him fast. Keter tried to wriggle out but didn’t get far. Oh, I’ll just wake him up if I keep doing this.

Beside him, Stravor stirred and opened his eyes. “Boy, the sun is up.”

Keter twisted around and the Searcher moved to accommodate him. “It is, Sir. Shall we wash and then go to breakfast?”

“Mmm, yes, we need to wash. Tell them to fill a tub downstairs.” Stravor kissed his boy quickly. “Go.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The Inn had a small tub room off of the stable. For a nominal charge, hot water was added to a large wooden tub, where guests could bathe.

Stravor stripped off and did just that, while Keter stood off to one side. Noticing, Stravor said, “Boy, why are you not in a tub?”

“I thought I’d just use yours after you were finished, Sir.”

“Nonsense and disgusting, boy!” Stravor cast around for the attendant. “You, fill another tub for this one.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Stravor ignored the title, and said to Keter, “While you wait, come and scrub my back.”

The lad did as bidden, and with gusto, using a thick cloth.

The Searcher talked as he enjoyed the bath. “Lad, I worry about your fear of water. Did they not bathe over the Purpel Mountains?”

The small room got steamier as the attendant poured buckets of hot water into another tub.

“Aye, Sir. We bathed in the river mostly, but here they seemed not so worried about washing.”

Keter, satisfied with his work, picked up a bucket and poured half of it over his master’s head. “If you stand, I can rinse the rest.”

Stravor grinned. “No, boy. That is not a good idea. I’ll rinse the rest; we do not want to frighten the water boy with what may happen.”

The attendant brought another bucket of fresh water. He smiled as he gazed at Stravor. “I wouldn’t mind, lord.”

“Off with you, harlot!” Stravor laughed as he sent the boy on his way. He eyed Keter, who was now in his own tub. “I am done here, but I shall help you.”

Stepping out of the tub, the Searcher walked naked to Keter and set about washing his back.

“Sir … you should not … you’re my master.”

“Nonsense! You may belong to me, but you shall be clean.” Stravor returned the favour and dumped a bucket of fresh water over his lad. “There. Now, hurry and finish. I am famished and am ready to break my fast. Then we have preparations to make!”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you. I am coming, Sir.”

Stravor pulled on his clothes, found a half-piece of silver in his pouch, and gave it to the surprised attendant.

“Thank you, my lord! I … I ….”

Stravor slapped the boy on the back. “Do a good job for the remainder of the day. Each day, boy, and you will reap rewards.” Then with a quick glance behind him, the Searcher shouted, “Boy!”

“Yes … Sir … coming!”

~

It was Market Day in Nabrook. There were crowds galore, and people ambled slowly talking, laughing, eating and arguing. Stalls were filled with goods and produce. The smells of sweet and savoury cooking filled the air.

As was normal when there was a Searcher in the vicinity, crowds parted and gave them a wide berth. Stravor was no different even though he was a native son.

Keter jogged along beside his master. “Sir, they are afraid of you?” He took two steps to each of Stravor’s.

“Aye, as they should be. A Searcher’s life is a lonely one.” Stravor peered down at the smaller boy. “I wish to see the weaver first and then purchase the pony.”

“That makes sense, master.”

The pair stepped from the main aisle and walked along, taking note of all manner of woven baskets and furniture.

“This one.” Stravor stopped to examine one man’s wares.

The weaver’s hand moved quickly as he wove the supple reeds over and under, pushing hard to tighten the sides of a new basket. He glanced up at his possible customer. Gods! He’s a Searcher. Nathin swallowed his nerves, and smiled. “Do you seek something in particular, Sir?”

“Aye, I need strong pony baskets. I see some here, do you have larger?”

“Yes, milord. I’ll fetch what I have.” The slim weaver put aside his work and rose from the pillow he sat upon. He walked on bare feet to the rear of his stall.

Stravor watched the man move away. He reached into his pouch and pulled a coin from it. “Boy, take this and go buy us kerosh.”

Grinning, the boy took the money. “Yes, master.” His mouth watered and he scurried away to find a seller of the fried, hot pastry.

Nathin brought his customer two large baskets which were woven together so they could be laid over the animal’s back. “Here, milord. Will these suffice? As you see they are for travel; they have been waterproofed with resin from the Lamaro tree. The covers also are waterproof.”

Stravor examined the baskets. “These are well-made, weaver. I’ll take them. What is the price?”

The weaver dipped his head. “Thank you, sir. They are best quality; I ask two pieces for them.”

“That is fair.” Stravor handed the coins to the man.

“Thank you, lord. Sir, these should last, but if you need to waterproof again, you can by using my services, or yourself by finding a Lamaro tree.”

Stravor nodded. “Thank you.” With that he turned away and started walking with his burden toward the central aisle of the market.

As he walked, he stopped to appreciate the smiths who worked pewter into plates and pots. “Pony first, so to carry these goods.” He continued on toward the livestock section.

“Master … master, wait, please.”

Stravor stopped when he heard the boy calling. “There you are lad. Now we buy our pony.”

Keter panted. “Yes. Here, master.” The boy held a paper cone filled with fresh, hot, sweetly spiced pastry. “I got nut and date ones, Sir. Here …”

The Searcher picked one from the cone and popped it into his mouth. “Mmm, these are favourites of mine. I like the one with nuts. Delicious. Eat, boy!”

Keter picked one and chewed. He held the cone so his master could avail himself easily. They walked side by side. “Master? What type of pony will you buy?”

“One from the Stone Hills, I hope.”

“Why?”

“Because they are hardy, strong and loyal.” The Searcher reached for another sweet. “They learn quickly, will follow and stand their ground.”

Reaching the livestock pens, the pair walked around studying at all the animals for sale. Stravor stopped when they reached a man with a fair number of ponies.

“You … stockman. I seek a Stone Hill pony.”

“Do ye? I do have several.”

Stravor’s eyes widened in surprise. The stockman was not a man.

The woman approached with purpose. “I keep them in the next pen but one. This way.” She motioned them to follow as she strode away.

Keter followed along after his betters, but he stopped to pet a pony. “Hello, good fellow.” The animal nosed the cone of sweets. “I cannot feed these spicy lumps to you. And I must catch up!” After a final pat he ran after Stravor.

“These are Stone Hill,” the woman was saying. “All are about two years old. A good age for teaching. They are strong and have endurance, if you are travelling, Sir.”

“We are.” Stravor took in the four animals. They were solid, not terribly tall with four thick sturdy legs. Their hooves like large plates.

Keter climbed on the fence and gazed at the ponies. He’d spied one he liked. I like that brown one with the black tail. His blue eyes found his master who was talking to the stockwoman. Pick that one, master, please.

Stravor stopped. He pulled himself upright. “Boy, come here.”

“Yes, Sir.” The lad jumped from his perch on the fence and joined his master. He looked up at Stravor.

The Searcher bent, lifted his slim boy easily and put him on the top rung of the wooden fence. “Be you a witch, boy?” Stravor spoke softly.

Keter swallowed. “No … no, Sir. I am no witch.”

The stockwoman moved away sensing this talk was private. She leaned on the fence and pet the golden coloured pony that walked to her.

Stravor whispered, “Then tell me how I can hear your voice, when you speak not?”

“Yo … you … can?” Keter’s eyes could not open wider.

“I heard you say you want the brown pony with the black mane and tail.”

“I … Sir, well … um … I.”

“Out with it, boy! What are you saying?” Stravor put his hands on the fence rail on either side of Keter.

The lad shook his head. “I don’t know how you heard that.”

Stravor dropped his head and sighed. He didn’t move for several moments. Then raising his head, he found Keter’s eyes. “Boy, we will take the brown pony.”

Keter’s smile lit up his eyes. The lad launched himself at Stravor, who caught him.

“Thank you, master!” He gripped the Searcher’s shoulders and wrapped his slim legs around his waist.

The Sword of Harman hummed in anger.

Stravor laughed and said, “Down with you. Let us get what we need and be on our way.”

Keter slipped off and landed lightly on the ground. “I am sorry, Sir. I forgot the Sword.”

“Tis fine, boy.” He patted the scabbard absently. “It will be all right.”

Stravor purchased the brown pony with the black mane. “We will need halter, lead and what more?”

“Will you be riding?” The stockwoman gazed at Stravor, taking in his size.

“I will not. The boy may, but mainly the animal will carry our supplies, in the baskets.”

“I see, well, I’ll put together a few things you will need for the pony’s care, and a good blanket to protect and warm him.”

Stravor and the woman talked and bartered; while Keter stroked the head of the sweet animal.

“I will have to think of a name for you, pony.”

“All right lad, lead him here.” Stravor stood waiting with the new blanket and baskets.

“Come on,” coaxed Keter. The animal snorted softly and followed. “Good, boy.”

Stravor placed the blanket and baskets on the nameless pony. He spoke to the stockwoman. “Thank you for all of your assistance. Good day.”

“Good day. I know he will go well for you.”

Keter grinned. “Mistress, please. Does he have a name?”

She smiled at the slim, charming boy. “Well, I called him, Shade.”

“Shade.” Keter tested the word, and smiled. “I like that! Thank you.”

“Boy!”

Hearing Stravor’s impatient shout, Keter tugged on the pony’s lead rope. “Come on, Shade, we had better catch up!”

The little horse snorted and tossed his head. He followed his new owners smartly.

The baskets filled as they moved through the stalls. Finally, they stopped in front of a clothing merchant.

“This boy needs boots and clothes for long travel. Likely a cloak and hat also.”

Keter dutifully dressed and tried things on. He was not fond of the footwear.

“Leave them on, boy, for you need to get used to them.” Stravor paid the merchant and packed the new clothes into the baskets.

“Come, we are done. I must visit the Hall before we leave in the morning, so we shall stay another night, have supper and then an early night for us. You can put the pony—”

“Shade, Sir.” Keter interrupted with a cheeky smile.

“The pony,” Stravor repeated pointedly, “into a stall at the inn. We leave in the morning.”

“Yes, Sir.” Keter answered. Then to the pony he whispered, “Shade.”

<>