A soft whinny sounded close by. Confused, I scanned the surroundings as my eyes adjusted to the dim moonlight. A black horse-shaped shadow pawed at the ground near Kerrick, who didn’t wake at the slight noise. The stubborn man had poured every ounce of strength into helping me.

Disentangling myself, I stood and returned to my normal coloring. The horse didn’t shy away. I recognized him as the large russet male Kerrick and I had ridden on the way to Chinska Mare. Had he followed Kerrick? A couple feed bags sat by the fire ring. Kerrick must have kept him.

“What’s the matter, boy? Are you hungry?”

The horse bobbed his head. Taking that as a yes, I opened a feed bag and held it while the horse munched. When it was empty, I dropped it next to the others and noticed my pack. I stared at it in amazement. How did it get here? Had I carried it with me despite my injuries?

I sorted through the contents. My boots, travel clothes, and a few other necessities like soap remained inside. The desire to bathe pulsed through me with a sudden intensity. Stiff with dried blood, mud, and sewage, my tattered robe resembled a discarded rag. My skin itched and muck caked my hair.

Reluctant to wake Kerrick, I turned to the horse. He seemed intelligent and hadn’t run off despite the ruckus. “Water?” I asked.

The horse glanced at Kerrick, then walked away. Slinging my pack over my shoulder, I followed him, hoping he wasn’t heading to the aqueduct. Moving almost without sound, he led me to a clean spring. He dipped his head and drank. I waited until he’d finished before ripping off my clothes and wading into the cold, waist-deep water.

An ugly red gash marked where Jael’s sword had punctured me. Deep purple-and-red bruises spread out from the injury. Careful of my ribs, I sat down and dunked my head, then scrubbed every inch of my body twice. I considered a third rinse, but my teeth chattered and my hands were numb.

I climbed from the pool. The horse watched me as I squeezed the water from my hair then shook off as much as I could.

“Thanks,” I said to the horse.

“Humph.”

Was that... No. “Kerrick?”

He appeared next to the horse, looking drained. “Imagine how I felt when I woke up and discovered my horse had stolen my girl.”

I laughed. “I’m sorry, Kerrick, but it was love at first sight.”

“I can understand that. I’m loving what I’m seeing right now.” He leered.

Oh. I grabbed my travel clothes from my pack. Before I could put them on, he closed the distance between us.

“Not so fast.” Kerrick kissed me.

I warmed immediately, wrapping my arms around him. But a familiar foul odor intruded and his stiff shirt scratched my skin. I broke away. He’d gotten dirty carrying me.