Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,133
Eldrin snorts, shaking his head, and even Grayson cracks a smile. Shooting the males a look, I turn back to the mage.
“Yes?” I try to sound polite, but it comes out more like a bark, stopping the mage in his tracks. A look of uncertainty crosses his face. Wincing and feeling like an awful person, I take a step forward, making an effort to soften my expression. “Sorry, how can I help?”
Glancing at my mates behind me, he seems to take reassurance from Grayson’s presence, so the high mage steps up to my side, nodding in encouragement. Taking a deep breath, he smiles slightly and gestures to his horse. “Please, beloved, it would honour me if you would use my horse for the journey.”
Hearing a snigger behind me, I have to fight the urge to glare at the elf who made the noise. Ever since we left camp this morning, I’ve had people see me walking and try to get me to ride their horse. I have my own horse, but I donated it to someone who needed it more than I did, yet as soon as anyone notices me walking, they feel the need to offer me their steed. Naril has turned it into a game, guessing how many propositions I will get before the end of the day. At first, I was humbled, but constantly explaining myself is beginning to become tiring.
“That is most kind of you, Mage…” Trailing off, I search for his name in my memories.
“Becket,” Grayson helpfully supplies, and I realise guiltily he was one of the mages who accompanied me to Arhaven. I should have recognised him before now. He risked his life for me, and I let my frustration get in the way.
“Mage Becket, you were in Arhaven with me, weren’t you?” He nods, his face flushing with pride, which only makes me feel more guilty. They deserve better from me. Closing the distance between us, I stop just before him and bow my head in a gesture of respect. “I want to thank you personally for protecting me then, and in advance for protecting me when we arrive in Galandell.” Staring at me in surprise, he looks at Grayson and then back to me, as if he doesn’t quite believe what’s happening.
“I’m not going to accept your horse.” Frowning at my words, he goes to argue, but I hold up my hand and continue. “And that is because there are others who need it more than I do. There are not enough horses to go around, and I am perfectly capable of walking,” I explain softly, gesturing to the others around us. The tribesmen are used to travelling long distances over harsh mountain terrain, and they would never admit it, but eventually they would tire. However, it’s the mages and human guards I’m worried about. They are used to fighting, but not travelling long distances, especially having only recently arrived at camp.
He follows my gaze, his eyes landing on the group of human guards who are walking behind Jacob’s horse. They appear exhausted, but none of them grumble. In fact, they are talking to the prince, all of them in high spirits. Returning his gaze to me, he smiles slightly and bows at the waist. “I understand, beloved.”
Smiling, I watch as he walks over to the group of guards and starts up a conversation. I begin to walk again, falling into step amongst my mates, with Naril a few steps ahead of us.
“How very noble,” Naril calls back in a singsong voice.
Rolling my eyes at his comment, I glance at the front of the procession where Revna leads, the other chiefs following on horseback. My stomach feels like it’s filled with lead and nerves, and the overwhelming pressure makes me nauseous. A hand on my shoulder brings my attention back, and as I glance around, I see the hand belongs to Tor. His expression is stoic, but the assurance he sends me through our bond tells me he thinks I’ve done the right thing. Reassured, I smile slightly up at my tribesman and roll back my shoulders.
“What kind of leader would I be if I sat on horseback while I knew others could benefit from it?” My voice is firm, contradicting the casual shrug of my shoulders. “I can walk farther than most of the humans can, they should use the horses. It’s only fair.”
Vaeril appears at my other side, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my shoulder. His expression is