Chapter 76: The Ride

Riding a horse is a boresome chore. The monotony of it all coupled with the discomfort make it a loathsome journey. The horse is amiable enough and is happy to follow behind Ethan. He slows his pace for my benefit, his stature on the horse much more natural than mine.

We trot along on a small riding path, not large enough to be considered a road, but wide enough to accommodate a couple horses. Trees bend above the path, shading us from the oppressive heat of the sun, only small swaths of sunshine find their way through. While the ride itself is tedious, the feeling of freedom is tremendous. Out on a horse in the world, nothing holding me back.

“How far is the ride to the inn, Ethan?” I ask, breaking the wall of silence between us.

“Not too far, m’lady. We should find ourselves there by tea.” He says calling over his shoulder, his eyes trained on the roadsides.

“Thank you.” I call back.

Tea was at least two hours from now. If two hours was not too far, I shudder to think