Page 157 of The Throne Seeker

Rose and her sleipnir charged for them like a lioness hunting for its prey.

Both riders exchanged determined glances, nodding to one another.

She sensed eels under the rocks.

They’ll try to kill us, the sleipnir said.I sense their fear.

What do we do?

Pray it takes Halmar a long time to get through the river. Or we’ll have attackers on both sides.You did well with the arrow.

Let’s hope our luck doesn’t run out,she said, trying not to let the anomaly go to her head.

They were gaining ground, catching up to the two sleipnirs with every passing second.

The two riders drew together until they were side by side, exchanging something. What it was, she couldn’t say. She saw nothing in their hands, yet they let go of their reins. They spread apart again, riding neck and neck. Her suspicion only grew as they slowed.

Something’s wrong,she warned.We should slow down.

The sleipnir listened, slowing its pace.Rose peeked behind her, seeing if anyone was following them. To her disappointment, Halmar was exiting the river despite his shoulder wound.

She cursed in her mind.Halmar is nearly out of the river, and he looks vengeful.

How far?the sleipnir asked.

Not far enough with these two slowing us down,she replied, wondering if it was their intention—no doubt to scare her into retreating back with the others, letting them finish her off.

Her mind reeled. Her eyes searched for something—anything—to give her a hint of what they were plotting. A flicker of a glare caught her eye. She squinted, looking closer to ensure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. Another glare glinted in the dim sunlight, soft and subtle, but it was there.

They were going to clothesline them.

They’re holding a rope between them,she warned.

I can’t see anything. Are you sure?

Yes,she confirmed confidently.

They were getting close—too close. They would have to act, and quickly. Rose put on a brave mask, taking the risk.

Faster,she urged.When I say get down, lower your head as far as you can.

I will,the sleipnir replied, trusting her with its life.

She readied herself, adrenaline pulsing within her. If it hit them, it would string the sleipnir first, and she’d be crushed or trampled. Neither of which she would survive. If she didn’t time this exactly right, they’d both be dead.

She held her breath as she watched the invisible rope inch closer, the glare approaching them.

NOW!

The sleipnir immediately ducked its head as she threw herself backward, pressing her back flush with the sleipnir’s. The rope hovered just above her, whizzing by, but not before she managed to seize it with her hands, twisting her body as she sat back up. She held on, knowing her next move might throw her off the sleipnir.

She clutched the creature with her thighs and, with all her strength, yanked on the rope.

The sudden force wrenched the riders forward off their sleipnirs, sending both crashing to the ground, vanishing under their pounding hooves.

Rose flinched away.

Her sleipnir skipped with glee.You did it!