The stallion whinnied softly and lipped her hair. The girl’s body trembled and she sucked in a gasping breath. “Thank you,” Mari said as she took the water skin and poured a little on a strip of fabric she ripped from her tunic, dabbing Dove’s pale face with the wet cloth. She’d deal with Clayton and his treachery as soon as Dove and her newly bonded Tulpar were settled. Grimly, River crammed it back into the saddlebag. I’ll get it.” River hurried to yank free the water skin, causing the blanket with Clayton’s rolled-up, deadly lasso to fall free. “Does anyone have water?” Mari asked as she dropped to her knees beside Dove. She had a big canine by her side, though he hesitated, remaining respectfully clear of the stallion’s hooves, while his eyes never left Mari. Instantly, the big golden stallion stopped nickering in distress, though he did continue to nuzzle Dove. “Anjo! Steady Gho-I mean, Tulpar,” said River. “Of course!” April kneed Deinos around to face the horses galloping up. “Stop!” River held up her hand and her sister pulled Deinos to a halt. “River! What’s happening?” On Deinos, April thundered up, followed by a wide-eyed group of Riders, including a few haggard and sweat-covered stallions and their Riders-though a quick look confirmed to River that neither Clayton and Bard or Skye and her Scout were among the group. Tulpar was nickering in distress while he craned his neck around and tried to nuzzle Dove. She rushed to catch the eyeless girl as she began to topple from the stallion’s back. Dove collapsed, falling limp against Tulpar’s neck.
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