Amaris dashed inside the inn and hugged the innkeeper, bewilderment clear on the woman’s face. Amaris wouldn’t forget this act of kindness, even if it had been in exchange for compensation. One heartbeat later she was through the door and jogging to catch up to where Odrin was already plodding away. He hadn’t left the village. He also hadn’t been willing to stand still.

“I want to come with you!”

He kept the horse at a walk. Odrin did not appear impressed with the breathless heaving that came just from her jogging to keep up with their pace. Without looking at her, he answered, “No you don’t.”

Dauntless, Amaris pressed on. She rebutted, “I know nothing of the world. I don’t know anything about the villages. I don’t know about people, about money, about customs. I don’t know the first thing about getting to the coast. If I had known how to fight, I could have defended myself today.”

The horse flicked its ears in irritation as it continued its forward motion. The beast was clearly uncomfortable with Amaris’s invasion of its space.

“We all have to grow up sometime, girl. Why not start a new life here? Ask the inn if they’re hiring.”

She shook her head, short of breath. She panted, “Will you teach me how to fight?”

He looked down from his saddle. He chuckled. “Girls don’t train where I’m from.”

Amaris’s tone was cheerful though short-winded as she said, “Well, that’s rather sexist. Sounds like they had to grow up sometime.”

He laughed appreciatively at her retort. Odrin shook his head, but she cut him off. He looked set to argue once more.

Amaris was resolute, arguing, “Look, I’ve never had a father. But if you’d have me, I promise I won’t be a burden.”

He pulled the horse to a stop then and she stopped running, still panting slightly at the exertion. The sun had set. Only the flickers of torches on buildings cast light and shadows against the sincerity of her plea. She knew her words had hit a chord with him. Something tugged his vision into the middle distance, perhaps a memory pulling his focus. Even the horse stilled as if respecting whatever reverie called to him. Odrin released a long, slow exhale and shook his head as if his body was willing him to say no. Instead, he looked her in the eye.

“I don’t think you’ll like what you’re getting yourself into.”

She put her hands on her hips, the inhalations coming in more easily now. Amaris challenged him, saying, “I won’t like what? Getting strong? Learning how to defend myself? Take me with you.”