Chp 16 Part 3 The Traitor

Aspen

Eager as ever to go riding. After her father’s sparing match finishes, she takes off full speed to the stables. I chase after her and beat her to the stables. She swears one day she’ll beat me but I doubt that’ll happen anytime soon, unless Maliyah uses her powers to slow me down.

Maliyah is brushing Beauty down, while I brush Argo. I grab the blankets while Maliyah grabs her saddle, strapping it on Beauty. We lead the horses out of the stables and saddle up. We trot down the trail, listening to the wildlife and I can see the happiness on Maliyah’s face. She loves being out in nature and I understand that feeling. It’s calm and quiet. I hear a twig snap and I draw my bow, aiming at the brown wolf behind us.

“Wait! It’s River,” says Maliyah as I lower my bow.

“You realize I could’ve killed you River.” I shake my head at him as I put the arrow away.

“He says he’s sorry. He just wanted go for a run and figured he’d join us on the trail,” Maliyah relays.

“Fine by me. By the way, w