Today's Reading
They drew near, and she let go of Ewan's hand and told him to stay back. She dropped her groceries to the ground, raced to Ludwik, and pulled him away just as a hoof sailed past his head.
She pushed him back to where Ewan stood and focused on the horse. The mare fought the pressure, each pull on her bit adding to her panic. Adia held her hands up, taking deliberate steps while she moved close, anticipating Lyra's moves as she jumped from side to side.
"Easy, girl." She reached for a rein that flew about and caught it. She held firm but gave a little when the mare shied away.
The mare's hooves settled, though her body remained tense, muscles rigid. Her brown ears flicked back and forth amid the surging crowd, but her eyes watched Adia for direction.
Adia leaned over carefully to unbuckle the cart from the harness. She maintained a steady pressure on the reins and ran her hand slowly over the horse's sweaty, matted fur. She darted a glance at Ludwik to see him holding Ewan's shoulders protectively, both watching with furrowed brows.
As she unclasped the last strap and the cart dropped free, the mare hopped forward, but Adia was prepared. She let the mare walk, gently pulling her nose toward herself so she could circle the horse and keep her close. This brought the horse's focus back to Adia and away from the chaos beyond.
"That's a good girl," Adia said. "We're all right now, see?"
Despite her steady tone, the mare was like a rubber band pulled to the breaking point. She could snap at any minute, giving in to her most primal instinct of flight. Adia needed to maneuver the horse out of the crowd or she'd bolt and hurt someone.
Adia looked through the bustle of people for Ewan, her heart thumping at seeing the spot empty where she'd left him. "Ewan?" she called out. She gripped the horse but lost her focus on her.
Another pair of planes dipped overhead. The loud pop of gunfire erupted nearby, and people cried out in horror. Plumes of gunpowder filled the square, the acrid smell overpowering that of human sweat and smashed produce.
Adia braced for the mare's reaction a heartbeat too late.
Lyra pulled the reins free, the leather searing Adia's palms. She lunged forward, knocked Adia over, and kicked her back hooves out as she turned to flee. A hoof slammed Adia in the shoulder, which sent her stumbling back into the overturned fruit stand.
Pain coursed through her body as the bright daylight and the roar of the crowd faded away.
* * *
Bret pushed through the crowd toward the brave—or was it foolhardy?— woman trying to calm the panicked horse. The panic was so thick in the air, he could taste it. He neared Adia and the horse right as planes appeared again and well-meaning but ill-informed civilians fired rifles into the sky.
Those were pellet guns compared to a plane.
The horse reared, kicked, and sent Adia sprawling into a pile of crates. The animal took off into the crowd, but Bret rushed to the woman. She smelled of fresh hay and lavender soap.
The little thief, Ewan, scurried over, and they reached her at the same time.
Her tan breeches and blue jacket were dirty. A small cut bled at the edge of her hairline where she'd hit a crate. Her ivory forehead was smooth until she stirred from unconsciousness and grimaced.
"Move slowly," Bret commanded softly.
She blinked and struggled to rise to her feet. He grasped her elbow and eased her upward. She pressed a palm to her head as she leaned against him.
"Easy there," he said.
She groaned, and her gaze settled on his face as she regained focus. A hint of recognition clicked, and she stumbled back. "You?"
He owed her a thousand apologies and an explanation for missing their dinner over a month ago. Her face had filled his thoughts often. He should have orchestrated a reunion far better than this one.
"I can explain—" he started.
...
