Saxon Dawn (Wolf Brethren) by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page B

farmer’s face. I did not want him to now that we knew nothing about horses so I said, “You can put the reins on them for they know you.  We will get to know them on our journey south.”
    He saw nothing untoward about this and he fitted the reins.  Raibeart and I paid close attention. “You go south then?”
    “Too many raiders from the north around here for our liking.  We seek our fortune south.” I did not distrust him but if any Angle saw the sword he would ask questions and I wanted a false trail for any Angles who chose to seek us.
    He brought out the saddle and I could see the crack in the middle which rendered it useless as anything but a template. He put it apologetically on the back of my mount. “I thank you sir.”
    “Will you not be riding them?”
    “No we will walk them awhile and let them become accustomed to our smell.” I did not want him to see that we were novices and so we led the three horses south.  As soon as we had cleared the farm and were hidden from view we left the track and headed down a small vale where we could mount our new horses. I took the saddle from the horse I would ride.  “Raibeart, which would you like?”
    The decision was made for him as the black pony nuzzled his head.  He grinned, “This one.”
    I put the saddle on the other pony it was a golden colour and it reminded me of Aelle’s colouring.  This was Wyrd . There was no getting around it; I had to mount my horse.  I was the eldest and it was my duty. “Hold the other two.” Taking the reins in one hand and a hunk of mane in the other I threw my leg over the back of the horse. It did not look elegant, in fact it was downright clumsy but I was on the back of the horse with a stupid grin on my face before I knew it.  I saw Raibeart smiling too. “Give me the spare pony and you mount.”  His beast was smaller and he did it much more easily. I remembered when the king had come the men had clicked their tongues and the horses had moved.  I did so and nothing happened save that the horse looked round at me as though I was stupid.  I wondered if they had ever been ridden. Raibeart stifled a laugh and I reddened.  This was annoying.  Would we have to walk back with them in our hands? In frustration I said, “Come on! Move!” and kicked hard in his side.  To my surprise he moved forwards and I was nearly unbalanced. I jerked the reins around and headed him north again. “Come on Raibeart, let us find Aelle.” The movement of my horse meant that my brother’s pony just needed a click and a slight kick and he followed.
    We had gone barely a mile when I found out why men do not ride bareback. Every time he landed it felt as though someone was kicking me in the balls! I was in agony but I dared not speak of it.  I was the head of the family now and I would have to bear it although I doubted that, after this ride, I would have any family of m y own anyway.
    Wolf barked at our approach.  The smell of the horses masked ours. Aelle’s mouth fell open as we rode into the clearing and Wolf cocked his head to one side. I slid, gratefully from the back of the horse and I was pleased that Raibeart too looked pleased to be on the ground. I handed the reins of Aelle’s pony to him.  “Here brother.  This is yours. We will walk a while. Put your cloaks and bags on the backs of the horses.  Raibeart, our mail can go on the backs as well.”
    “Where are we going Lann?”
    “To the hidden house father mentioned. Come, we have far to go.  Wolf!” I threw my hand down and Wolf herded the four sheep. 
    We had gone but forty paces when Raibeart asked, “But how will we find the hidden house?” 
    “Father said it was between our home and the Roman Bridge but not on the road. There are woods and forests to the west of the road so we will look for somewhere which could have been a trail.”
    It was not the best of plans but my brothers accepted it for it was , at least, a plan. “Why the horses brother?