After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] Read Online Free Page A

concern. She unlatched the door to the stall and went inside. A tall, dark horse with white spots on its hindquarters stood in the farthest corner, his ears pointing toward her.
    "Jack ... how's my big man?"
    He danced toward her when he realized who was in the stall with him, shaking his flowing black mane back and forth with every toss of his head. A smile crossed her face. Her heart filled with joy every time she watched him move. It was so fluid, especially for such a big animal.
    The stableman watched as she hugged her horse. He leaned against the railing, but made no attempt to enter. “Sure is a loyal beast, that one is. Wouldn't let me get near ‘em for nut'n. Had to toss his grain into the bucket and run before he kicked the stuff'n out of me.” He pointed to an old, battered pail against a wall, grain spread across the floor in front of it.
    She scratched the horse on the neck and replied, “We've been together for six years now. Before that, he was with a man who abused and whipped him every chance he got. When I witnessed what this man was doing, I persuaded him to give me the horse.” The smile on her face broadened while she recanted how she had changed the man's mind. “He refused, at first. Some money and my sword helped him change his mind. It took lots of time and patience to win Jack over. Now that I have, he won't let any man near him."
    "You did a fine job with him, missy. That you did."
    Shyanne grabbed the halter and indicated for the tall, lanky man to back away. When he was safely out of harm's way, she led Jack into the walkway. The horse pranced around with excitement. He knew they were leaving and looked forward to stretching his muscles. The stall had plenty of room, but the wide open spaces had more.
    "Easy there, young man. We'll be going in a minute."
    She reached over, grabbed the rope hanging off to the side of the walkway and secured it to the halter. She repeated the process for the other side. Picking up a brush, she started on his coat. It glistened by the time she finished.
    She flipped the brush over and gave the pad draped over the railing a couple of resounding whacks. Thousands of tiny dust particles danced and twirled in the sunlight. They gently came to rest moments later as if exhausted from so much activity. She threw the pad onto the broad back. The saddle followed. After tightening it down, she secured her pack behind it with the attached straps. She worked the bridle onto Jack's head and wedged the bit into the open space behind his teeth. The reins were tied to a nearby post for extra security.
    The stableman came up behind her, carefully watching the horse. He handed her a water skin and a package wrapped in some white cotton material. “I wanted you to have these for your travels. It ain't much, but it will hold you for a few days. I know you didn't have time to re-supply because of those idiots picking a fight."
    "Thank you,” she said as she took the supplies.
    He looked down while shifting some straw with his feet. “You'd best get a move on. The more distance you put between you and those devils the better."
    Shyanne hooked the water skin over the saddle horn and placed the white bundle in her pack. She checked the belly strap one more time to make sure it was still tight. Before grabbing the reins and getting into the saddle, she hugged the tall man. Prodding Jack toward the main thoroughfare, she turned and waved. He followed her as far as the door and waved back.
    "Good luck, and watch yer back,” he yelled.
    I wish I could have known these people better. Unfortunately, circumstances never seem to let that happen, she thought with a momentary twang of sadness.
    Shyanne waved again and turned Jack toward the trail that took her in a westward direction out of town. Drizzle ran beside her. The horse was used to the sight and smell of the big cat; he paid no attention to the tawny creature next to him.
    She didn't look back as she rounded the bend. If she had,