A Step Back...

HAZEL BROWN

By morning, they were back on the road.

The stolen horses were well-rested, their steps light and eager, moving with a swiftness that surprised Hazel. She ran a hand along the strong curve of her horse's neck, murmuring softly.

"Poor fellas," she cooed, feeling the roughness of its mane beneath her fingers. "They weren't fed properly, were they?"

The horse neighed, ears flicking forward.

Hazel grinned. "Aww, who's a happy boy?" She rubbed at the base of its neck, the beast letting out another pleased sound.

Arthur, seeing this, tried the same.

His horse promptly reared up, front legs kicking the air, nearly throwing him off. "Woah—alright, big man—" Arthur yelped, raising his hands in surrender. The horse snorted, then finally dropped back down, trotting begrudgingly to catch up with Hazel's.

Hazel snickered. "He doesn't like you."