“Rulf Why?”
“I thought so. He’s paying you back for threatening him about that sword, or because we’re friends. He doesn’t dare threaten me anymore, now that I’m a Squire, but he thinks nothing of knotting your stirrup leathers. A couple of hours riding like this, and you’d be standing at meals for a month, if you didn’t get pitched on your head and killed. Here, get down and I’ll show you.”
Tomas dismounted, halfway between a leap and a fall Pug showed him the knots “They would have rubbed the inside of your thighs raw by the end of the day. And they’re not long enough.” Pug took out the knots and adjusted the leathers to the proper length. “It’s going to feel very strange for a while, but you’ve got to keep your heels down. I’ll remind you until you’re sick of hearing it, but it’ll keep you out of trouble when you do it without thought. And don’t try to grip with your knees; that’s wrong, and it’ll make your legs so sore, you’ll hardly be able to walk by tomorrow.” He went on with a few basic instructions and inspected the cinch, which was loose. He tried tightening it, and the horse sucked air. Pug struck the gelding a blow in the side, and the animal exhaled sharply. Pug quickly pulled the cinch strap and said, “Sometime today, you most likely would have found yourself listing to one side, a most discomforting position.”
“That Rulf!” Tomas turned toward the stable. “I’ll thrash him within an inch of death!”
Pug grabbed his friend’s arm. “Wait We don’t have time for brawling.”
Tomas stood with fists clenched, then relaxed with a relieved sigh. “I’m in no condition for fighting, anyway.” He turned to see Pug inspecting the horse.
Pug shook his head, then winced. “Me too.” He finished inspecting the saddle and bridle, and the horse shied. Pug gentled the horse. “Rulf’s also given you a temperamental mount. This fellow would have probably thrown you before noon, and be halfway back to the stable before you hit the ground With sore legs and shortened stirrup leathers, you never would have stood a chance. I’ll trade with you.”
Tomas looked relieved and struggled into the saddle of the other horse Pug readjusted the stirrups for both riders “We can swap our travel rolls when we take our noon meal.” Pug then soothed the high-strung war-horse and climbed nimbly into the saddle. Feeling surer hands at the reins, and a firm leg on either side, the gelding quieted.
“Ho! Martin,” shouted Tomas as the Duke’s Huntmaster walked into view. “Are you traveling with us?”
A wry grin split the face of the hunter, who was wearing his heavy green cloak over his forester’s leathers. “For a short while, Tomas. I’m to lead some trackers around the boundaries of Crydee. I’ll be heading due eastward when we come to the south branch of the river. Two of my trackers were on their way an hour ago, breaking trail for the Duke.”
“What do you think of this Tsurani business, Martin?” Pug asked.
The still-youthful Huntmaster’s face clouded. “If elves are given to worry, there is something to worry over.” He turned toward the front of the assembling line. “Excuse me, I must instruct my men.” He left the boys sitting alone.
Pug asked Tomas, “How’s your head this morning?”
Tomas made a face. “About two sizes smaller than when I awoke.” His face brightened a bit. “Still, the excitement seems to have stopped the banging inside. I feel almost good.”
Pug gazed at the keep. Memories of his encounter last night kept tugging at his mind, and suddenly he regretted the need to travel with the Duke.
Tomas noticed his friend’s pensive mood and said, “Why so glum? Aren’t you excited about going?”
“It’s nothing. Just thinking.”
Tomas studied Pug for a moment. “I think I understand.” With a deep sigh, he sat back in the saddle, and his horse stamped and nickered “I, for one, am glad to be leaving. I think Neala has tumbled to that little matter we spoke of yesterday.”
Pug laughed. “That will teach you to be mindful of who you escort into pantries.”
Tomas smiled sheepishly.
The doors to the keep opened, and the Duke and Arutha came out, accompanied by Kulgan, Tully, Lyam, and Roland. Carline followed, with Lady Marna behind. The Duke and his companions made their way to the head of the column, but Carline hurried down to where Pug and Tomas sat. As she passed, guardsmen saluted her, but she paid them no heed. She reached Pug’s side, and when he bowed politely, she said, “Oh, get off that stupid horse.”