Page 46 of Wrangled

We continued along the trail, and the trees grew less dense. Finally, we emerged into open grassland. Zeeb twisted around to look at us.

“How about we pick up the pace?”

I was all for a gallop. “A short one, though. Lightning’s a little out of practice.”

We rode fast, the horses’ hooves thundering over the ground, and after the steady pace we’d maintained thus far, it was a welcome change. It wasn’t long before the trail started to climb, winding up and up, and we slowed down until at last we reached the ridge.

I soon spotted the tree stump that served as a dismounting block. I got off Lightning and held onto his reins as I stared at the landscape spread below us, a carpet of green, yellow, and brown. Around us were stark, bone-white trees, no life left in them. It was windy up there, and I held onto my hat. I watched the shadow of clouds rolling over the hills, and once again I had the feeling of being so insignificant.

Robert walked up to me, leading Rusty, and I gestured to the patchwork quilt of land. “Nowthat’swhat I call an office.”

He stood beside me, staring out at the scenery, lost in his own thoughts. Then he smiled. “I need to do this more often.”

Zeeb chuckled. “I’ve been telling you that for two years, boss.”

“Okay, okay, I’ve heard you. Satisfied now?”

Zeeb’s eyes gleamed. “Nope, but I reckon I will be.”

It struck me that nearly everyone on Salvation was given to cryptic remarks.

Declan sighed. “It’s sights like this that make me rethink my life. I have no family, it’s just me… Who am I’m working for? Two weeks a year out here… It’s not enough.”

“There’s still time. You’re young enough to make a change,” Robert observed. Then he stiffened. “Never mind me. You do what works for you.” He walked off a short distance from us.

I followed. “Hey.” When he turned to gaze at me, I looked him in the eye. “It’s okay, you know. To give advice, I mean.”

“We should head back. We need to be home by supper time.”

Before I could get another word out, he led Rusty over to the tree stump, and mounted him. Zeeb and Declan soon followed.

There was an uneasy feeling in my belly.

What just happened?

We reached the grassland again, and I was ready for another gallop.

“Hold on there,” Robert called out behind me. “There’s a—”

Lightning bucked, and I held onto the reins as he bolted, charging along the trail, almost running into Declan.

“Whoa there.” I jerked the reins, and the next thing I knew, the ground came at me, andfuck, it was hard.

“Are you okay?” Robert was off his horse in a heartbeat, handing the reins to Zeeb before kneeling next to me. I sat up, wincing. “Have you broken anything? Sprained anything?”

“I think I bruised something,” I muttered. When his eyes widened, I gave another wince. “My pride.” I met his gaze. “It’s okay. Not the first time I’ve fallen off a horse. What made him bolt like that?”

“There was a horsefly on his rear. I think it took a bite.” Robert helped me to my feet and brushed me down.

“I can manage,” I told him. “It’ll be worse later.”

Zeeb came over. “You all right? You scared the livin’ shit outta me. Fuck, you’re one lucky man. You could’ve hit your head on a rock or something.”

“Then isn’t it a good thing he boltednow, and not up on that ridge?”

“Are youalwaysthis calm and philosophical?” Robert asked.

I smiled. “I like to keep my calm.” It was a good trait, one that was appreciated when I was in charge of a scene.