Barefoot on the Trail

The progress back was slow, as Astra had no shoes. The trail was rocky and dusty, and she had to be wary of the occasional thorn from some of the plants that grew nearby. While she was tough, she was not used to traveling long distances without shoes, so her feet were going to be blistered and bruised if she had a long way to go.

She thought about the possibility of surprising the official in order to flee with her horse, but she decided against it. First, she would have to overcome this man in order to get his stirrups and saddle, so that she could mount her horse. Such an attack would be difficult, as he had a weapon. If she failed, then she would be dealt with harshly. The thing that made her decide to take her chances with the satrap was the contrast in the behaviour of this official compared to that of the Governour's men. She knew that discipline was set by the ruler, and the previous night's fight between the two guards told her much about the tone that Gilder set. This man's measured response to what had to be an unusual situation for him gave her hope that his master was a sober and reasonable man as well.

The official and Astra now started to climb a slight rise. Astra asked, "How much farther, sir?"

The official replied, "I would say that it is a little less than a league. Are you tiring already?"

"No, sir. It just seems that we are going a lot slower than we need to. If I could ride while you held the reins, then we could get there much faster. Folly is quite docile."

1. "That sounds reasonable."
2. "I am in no hurry."
3. "I cannot allow that. But if you wish, you can ride with me. My horse is strong enough."

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