Cowards Illusion

FRAGMENT 7

Delmir pulled him up the stairs quickly. Maesha followed, startled, but doing as he was told. He only began pulling back when he realized they were headed to the stables. What were they doing going there? Delmir was going to get him into so much trouble..

Delmir sensed his hesitation.

“Come,” he spoke, wide eyed. “We are getting out of here.”

Maesha threw himself back, stopping dead.

“Maesh. Come on! Trust me!”

Maesha looked at him for a moment, then followed quickly. Delmir had his ash mount bridled and waiting. He threw the much too thin young man onto his horse, then mounted behind him. He urged the beast into a steady gallop, one arm wrapped around Maesha.

Maesha held tightly, fisting a handful of black mane. He had never been on a horse, and if it wasn't for Delmir holding him there, he would have surely lost his balance.

He got some distance away and thought it safe to slow down. Delmir laughed, easing the beast into a walk, quite happy with himself.

He heard the thundering of hooves, and was about to spur his horse into another gallop when he heard the words.

“Delmir, you do that and I will splay the skin off your back myself!” Halden shouted.

Delmir turned his horse, defeated. Maesha leaned over the side of the animal's neck and retched.

That was the second time Delmir had been punished by his father, and Halden made sure it made more of a lasting impression.

Maesha was rendered utterly useless for nearly a month.