WE RODE OUT TO THE hunt in open carriages, an organized mass of horse pulling vehicles laden with guests in ornate clothing. I pressed a hand out against the fine netting slung over the arches at either end of the wagon and watched a film of dust rapidly build over the mesh. The swaying motion of the carriages and the leg room made the journey feel ridiculously decadent; for a person used to centaur and horseback.

I leaned back against Alek, a smile spreading as he tucked his ...