We left the wagons behind, guarded by Nona's people, and galloped on into the night. I was surprised to see how well the old woman rode, how casual and confident she was on horseback, though in reality I shouldn't have been. Even Cyrus rode with ease, taking away some of my anxiety for them and their ability to keep up.

Shaia's hooves flashed beneath me, pounding over the hard packed road, the moon chasing us first before falling before us on its way to bed. Westward we went, ...