“They might not talk to you either. I mean, no one came forward when there was a chance to tell you before. And in a place like the Sacred Sword, you’re bound to receive the same treatment as Master Cade gave you yesterday. Or worse.”
Kate’s face heated at the memory. “I don’t know what—”
Corwin cut her off. “Don’t try to deny it. I know what happened. Dal had stopped by the stables and saw you go into the office.” He shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Kate. It seems you were right. My word counts for nothing. Only my presence matters, and barely at that.”
Kate wanted to be annoyed with him but couldn’t manage it with that look of misery on his face. “It’s all right, and it’s over. I didn’t want to work for him anyhow.”
Corwin stood up in a rush. “I couldn’t agree more, but you still need something to do involving your beloved horses, and I have just the solution.” He straightened to his full height as if to lend himself courage. “Come work for me, as the personal trainer to my new warhorse. I’m so busy right now with all the preparation for the uror, and I just don’t have the time to give him what he deserves. And after yesterday, well, I no longer want Master Cade to have the training of him.”
Kate thought it over, her first instinct to say no. She didn’t want to be any more beholden to Corwin than she already was. On the other hand, she did need a job, and not riding was even more unbearable than she could’ve imagined. She would join the Relay here in Norgard, if she could, but she doubted they would take her. Besides, she didn’t want to be away from the city for long periods of time with Bonner facing such scrutiny and danger every day. He’d finally managed to create a single workable mold, but no new firearms yet.
“I’ll do it,” she said. “It’ll give me plenty of time to find out the truth about my father.”
“I’m glad.” He hesitated, worrying at his lower lip with his thumb. Then, as if realizing what he was doing, he dropped his hand away. “Only, I’ve got to know: What happens after you find what you’re seeking? Will you go on training for me?”
Kate thought about it, memories of yesterday and Cade’s treatment of her fresh in her mind. “I don’t know,” she answered at last. “Staying in Norgard doesn’t seem wise. I doubt this place can ever be my home again.” The admission hurt, but truth so often did.
Corwin slowly nodded, his expression guarded. Then he held out his arm to her. “Shall we ride then?”
Kate slid her arm around his, feeling the heat of his body and how it made hers tingle, and together they headed down to the stables.
Just before they went through the main gate, a voice called out to them.
“Your highness, a moment, if you please.”
Corwin let out a sigh, the sound barely audible, but Kate heard the sudden tension in it, like a bow pulled taut. She couldn’t blame him. He wouldn’t know a moment’s peace until the uror trial was over.
Corwin faced the caller, whom Kate vaguely recognized as Minister Rendborne, the master of trade. “Yes, of course, minister. What can I do for you?”
Rendborne came to a stop before them, then turned to Kate, offering her a quick bow. “Nice to see you again, Miss Brighton.” A broad smile crossed his face, and she couldn’t help but return it. He was pleasant to look at, his golden eyes mesmerizing.
“I’ve found something you might find useful, your highness.” Rendborne reached into the pocket of his overcoat and pulled out a book bound in brown leather. He handed it to Corwin, the magestone on his right hand glowing dully.
Corwin accepted the book, turning it over to view the title, only to see there was none. “What is it?”
“Your grandfather’s journal, written during the time of his own uror trial.”
Corwin blinked, his mouth falling open in surprise. “Where did you get this?”
Rendborne waved the question off. “The ministry of trade keeps its own private archives. I stumbled upon it by chance and thought it might help with your upcoming trial.”
Corwin hesitated a moment, then held the book out to Rendborne. “I can’t take this. The high priestess said we’re not to accept help from anyone.”
“Indeed,” Rendborne said, bobbing his head in agreement. “But you are permitted to read and research as much as you want. Consider me your humble librarian. You’ll still need to do all the work plumbing it for its secrets.”
“He’s got a point, your highness,” Kate said, not wanting to see his strict adherence to rules lose him this opportunity. She had heard the talk of the Errant Prince among the servants and courtiers—the favor Corwin once held for winning the uror was gone. His disappearance had created too much uncertainty.
He glanced at her, still doubtful, then turned back to Rendborne. “Why not give it to Edwin?”
“I prefer a fair game,” Rendborne replied at once. “Your brother’s known about the uror colt longer than you have. Perhaps this will level the playing field.”
“I see.” Corwin debated a moment longer, then pocketed the book. “Thank you, minister.”
“Best of luck to you.” Rendborne bowed, then disappeared as quickly as he’d come.
Corwin headed through the gate into the stable, and Kate followed close behind him, her nerves prickling to be back here again so soon. Fortunately, there was no sign of Alaistar Cade, and all the grooms and stable hands gave them a wide berth. Two horses were already saddled for them in the training yard: Corwin’s new black stallion, Nightbringer, and a red chestnut mare with a white strip on her face and four white stockings.
“This is Firedancer,” Corwin said, holding out the reins to her. “And she’s yours.”
“Excuse me?”
A slow smile spread over his lips. “I lied when I said I had a horse for you to train. What I meant is that I have two horses to occupy your time. Mine and yours.” He held out the reins again.
Kate pressed her lips together. This cannot be happening. But it was. She read the sincerity in Corwin’s gaze, and excitement trembled through her. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because Kate Brighton without a horse is like a bird without wings. You saved my life. It would take a lot more than one horse to pay you back.” He shrugged. “Besides, I’m told she’s temperamental and stubborn. A perfect match for you.”
Kate snorted, then broke into a laugh, joy spilling over her astonishment. She reached up and planted a kiss on Corwin’s cheek. She laughed again at his stunned expression. Then she took the reins and turned to the mare. Firedancer. Her horse. Taking a deep breath, she slid a foot into the stirrup and mounted. The mare stepped forward, ears pricked in her eagerness to be off.
Kate looked down at Corwin, appreciating her vantage in the saddle. “Thank you. She’s going to be perfect.”
It was even truer than Kate could’ve guessed. When she and Corwin left the city, riding out into the countryside, she risked using her magic to touch the mare’s mind. The moment she sensed the bright glow of her essence—intelligent, willing, brave—she knew Firedancer was everything her father always sought in the horses he bred, the secret to his success as master of horse. Having her was like having a piece of him back.
Wordlessly, Kate and Corwin turned south and urged their mounts into a trot to warm up. They’d exited Norgard through the eastern gate, a decision made more out of old habit than conscious choice; the path from the castle to the gate was easiest and the least crowded. The southern road here led straight and flat in between fenced pastures. Before long, Kate let Firedancer break from the trot into a canter while Corwin did the same with Nightbringer. They rode side by side, varying the pace. They slowed when they needed to, allowing the horses to catch their breaths, only to start up again. Once they’d gone two miles, they turned back.
With the city gate in sight once more, Kate took a deep breath, unable to hide her disappointment that it was over already.