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“Everything is just fine. Some travelers arrived not so long ago. In fact, you must have just missed them. I was told that thishorse was lame on the right front, and I wanted to make sure that all was well. I offered to untack them,” I lie.

The stable master furrows his brow and steps closer to the horse, his eye moving over the beast. “That’s odd. This looks like one of the horses that came in yesterday.”

“These shaggy ponies all look the same.” I chuckle. Thankfully, it’s brown without any markings, just like many of the beasts used to navigate through the realm between Courts.

He makes a noise of agreement, but it’s clear that he isn’t fully buying it.

“I can’t see any reason why it would be lame. Nothing stuck in the hoof, no noticeable swellings or heat.” I shrug. “Perhaps you’re just tired, hey, boy?” I speak to the animal, who doesn’t pay me any attention. He keeps eating his hay.

“Looks clean for one who just arrived after a long journey.” He lifts his brows, once again looking skeptical.

“I sprayed his legs down.” I wince inwardly because the horse’s legs are dry as a bone in the desert.

He makes another noise like he’s thinking it through.

I remove the saddlebag and start to untack the animal. “Perhaps tell your stable hands to keep an eye on him. I’ll check on him again in the morning. It might help to trot him out, just to be safe.”

“I will tell Simon to give him the once-over when he feeds them their oats a little later,” Tyron tells me.

I nod, starting to breathe a little easier. I remove the saddle, placing it on the door.

“It sounds like you’re coming to the feast?” he asks.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it. I just wanted to finish up here first.”

“It would seem that great minds think alike. It’s a pity they are sending you back to the mines. With a little training, you would make a fine smithy. You have a way with horses.”

“I’m also strong and move many baskets of coal per day. I am far more valuable down there than up here.” I sigh, wiping my brow. Then I slip the bridle from the beast’s head, placing that over the saddle.

“I, for one, will be sorry to lose you.”

“Thank you, Tyron. The mines are the last place I want to be. It’s awful down there.”

“So, I’ve heard.” He looks solemn. “I’d better check on the rest of the horses.” He smiles, and I smile back.

I hoist the saddle over my arm, leaving the stable. Then I make my way to the tack room and start to pack it away. I’ll quickly re-tack the horse as soon as Tyron leaves.

“I will see you at the feast,” Tyron calls from the front of the stall.

“Yes. I’m right behind you,” I yell back.

“Blankets are too thin,” Tyron says. “You should take bedrolls, as well. There are a few packed away in the chest in the corner.”

My eyes go wide, and the air catches in my lungs.

He knows.

Of course he does.

Tyron is no fool.

“Goodbye, Alaric.”

“Goodbye.” My voice hitches just a little. He’s letting me go. I can scarcely believe it.

I hear the sound of his receding footfalls.

He’s gone. I’m grateful and lucky. Very lucky. Kakara be thanked. Perhaps there are some good fae, after all.