Princess in Disguise by E. D. Baker Read Free Book Online Page B

halfway through the forest when the fog began to dissipate. The torch gave out an hour or so later, leaving them to stumble through the pre-dawn gloom. By the time they reached the edge of the forest, the sky was growing lighter in the east and they could see a farmer’s fields. Only a few thin green tendrils of fog floated between the trees.
    â€œThe sun is coming up,” Annie pointed out. “There will be people on the roads soon.”
    â€œI’m trying to decide which horses to go after. I think the bay for me and the chestnut for you.”
    Annie gave the horses an appraising look. “I think they’re probably cart horses. I don’t know if we can ride either of them. Besides, isn’t it up to the farmer which horses he’ll sell to us? Not all horses are for sale.”
    â€œThey are at the right price,” Liam said, eyeing the fence that separated them from the field. “If I was planning to pay for them.”
    Annie was shocked. “You’re going to steal these horses!”
    â€œWell, I’m not going to go to the farmer’s cottage to introduce myself. It’s better if the farmer doesn’t see us at all. Then he won’t have anything to tell Dormander’s spies if they ask. Don’t worry, I’ll bring the horses back and pay the farmer for their use after Treecrest returns to normal.”
    â€œIn the meantime, he won’t have a horse to pull his wagon!”
    â€œIn the meantime, we’ll be risking our lives to make sure he has a good king on the throne to keep him safe! And if it means we steal a horse, then so be it!”
    â€œYou have a point,” Annie said. “I just don’t think it’s right to steal.”
    â€œI don’t think any of this is right,” said Liam as he took two lengths of rope from his knapsack. “But we don’t have a choice. Now, do you want to help me catch these horses, or do I have to do it myself,
Seth
?”
    â€œI’m coming,
Ruben
. Why don’t we see who can catch their horse first?”
    â€œThat doesn’t seem like a fair challenge,” said Liam. “I’m very good with horses.”
    â€œIt isn’t a fair challenge,” Annie admitted. “Maybe I should give you a head start.”
    â€œHa!” said Liam. Dropping one of the ropes at Annie’s feet, he ran to the fence and vaulted over with the other rope clutched in his fist.
    Before Annie followed Liam over the fence, she took the time to knot the rope into a makeshift halter, then stopped to pull up some long, sweet grass. Liam was hurrying toward the grazing bay as Annie climbed the fence and walked into the field. Making soft, encouraging sounds, she moved toward the chestnut horse, holding the grass in front of her. When she glanced at Liam, he was following the bay around the field. Each time he was within a few feet of the horse, it walked off.
    Annie grinned. So much for his head start. She had learned how to ride from the stable boys when she was a little girl and had often gone into the field with them to bring in horses. She’d learned long ago that chasing a horse down was not the best way to catch one. Annie glanced at the chestnut again. It was a big, sturdy gelding, with a homely head and a kind eye. She already knew that she liked him.
    When the chestnut finally came close enough, Annie gave him the grass, then began stroking his neck, finding an itchy spot up under his mane. The horse’s eyes were half-closed with contentment when Annie slipped the halter on.
    Hoping that the farmer had ridden the horse as well as made him pull a cart, Annie led the geldingto a large rock, using it as a mounting block to climb on. The horse turned his head to glance at Annie, but didn’t seem to mind. When Annie looked for Liam, she saw that he was still following the bay around the field. He seemed irritated when she walked the chestnut to his side.
    â€œHave you