To the High Redoubt by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Page B

himself and return again on what’s here.” He told himself sternly that he would wait until they made camp at night to count their treasure. He tied the pouch shut and looped the thongs around his belt before he got back on his horse. As he tapped the bay with his heels, he tried to bring himself to ask Surata how she be so certain the gold would be there, but the words refused to come and they rode in silence across the Giants’ Causeway.

Chapter 6

    Eight days later they had left the mountains far behind and had come to the main caravan road running from Iaş to Tana and on to Sarai.
    Still feeling giddy with wealth—the little sack contained a staggering sixty-three pieces of gold—Arkady suggested that they buy another horse or a mule for Surata to ride. “You won’t be bounced around so much. You’ll have a proper saddle. I’ll see to it.”
    â€œWhat would be the point?” she asked, holding him closely. Her hands rested just above his belt. “You would have to lead the horse or the mule, and if there was trouble, I would be more of a burden to you on another beast than I am here.”
    â€œNot in a real fight,” he said before he could stop himself.
    â€œYou do not know that, Arkady-champion. I have my own skills. And this way, we can speak easily. If I were on another horse, it would not be as pleasant, would it?”
    â€œWell, you’re getting better all the time.” He had come to like having her near him, but he was concerned for the load his gelding carried as well as for his own desires. These he could not hide from himself, although he hoped she had not yet discerned the true nature of his feelings. He decided to try again. “Surata, if we are to cross the desert you say is ahead, then we must lighten the load my horse carries.”
    â€œThen buy a mule for the food and other provisions,” she recommended.
    â€œAnd if we lose the mule?” he asked. “It would be a risk.”
    Surata laughed outright. “Arkady-champion, breathing is a risk. Buy a mule or two, or a camel, if that is what you want. After Sarai, the way is difficult, and then you will be glad to have more than one animal, in case there are…problems.” She lifted her hand to touch his face. “The scar over your brow isn’t as serious as you think it is.”
    â€œSoldiers have scars,” he said, attempting to turn her attention.
    â€œNot like this one, for you did not get it in battle.” Surata hesitated. “Do you want to travel with a caravan to Samarkand?”
    He knew from her tone that she would not want this. “We’d be faster on our own, and you’ve said speed is important. There is more danger alone, but there is also speed. Also, if there are men hunting you for the Bundhi, it would be less easy for them if we are on our own.” He looked into the distance, toward the eastern horizon. “We’ll have to be careful if we encounter soldiers. I don’t know how they would feel about a discharged captain like me.”
    â€œWe will say that I engaged you to carry me back to my home. I will buy new robes so that they will think I am a fine lady.” Again she laughed, this time lightly, teasing him.
    â€œThat’s fine, if one of us can speak their language, and if they will listen.” He shaded his eyes with his free hand. “I think there is a caravan ahead of us on the road. I see mules.”
    â€œHow many?” The worry was back in her voice. “Can you count them?”
    â€œNot accurately.” He squinted with concentration. “Wait. They’re…” He barked his laughter. “They’re hogs and cattle. There must be a farmer nearby. He probably sells his beasts to travellers for food.” Now he grinned. “Who knows what it will cost, but such farms usually have room for travellers to sleep for the night, if it’s only a