Later in the afternoon we stopped for a time so that I could get out some food for myself and for Darga and Maruman, and while we ate, Gahltha grazed. When we set off again, Gahltha alternated between walking and cantering, as we moved through patches of forest separating the lush meadows. Steadily the mountains loomed ever higher and more distinct, ever more formidable. Darga kept pace with the horse, seemingly tireless, though his tongue lolled redly when he caught up with us after Gahltha had galloped for short bursts. But he did not complain and it occurred to me that it was the same for the beasts as for me, whether or not Maruman or even Darga knew more than they cared to tell me. We were tools, to be used mercilessly, and there was no point complaining since we had all accepted our roles. How could we not, given what was at stake?

By the time we reached the foot of the mountains at the upper end of the valley, the sun hung just above the western peaks. For the last hour, we had been tracing the downward course of a little glittering stream, which I had supposed flowed from the mountains, but now I saw that it ran along the foot of the mountains from the east before turning to cut down the valley. Maruman said we should rest, and when Gahltha obligingly stopped, I wasted no time in dismounting. I was stiff and sore from the long day of riding and I stifled a groan as I moved to unstrap Gahltha’s burdens, but Maruman bade me leave them. We would not be stopping long. I sighed and apologised to Gahltha before I knelt by the stream to drink and splash my face with water.

When I rose, Maruman was sitting in the low sunlight licking his paw while Darga, having slaked his own thirst, had stretched out, panting, nearby. Gahltha was now cropping at a thick patch of grass beside the stream. I got out the remainder of the food package I had broken open earlier and offered some to Darga and Maruman. The dog accepted politely but Maruman merely sniffed contemptuously and went back to washing his paw. I shrugged and nibbled the rest, wondering not for the first time why so much of Javo’s travel food was unappealing in one way or another.