Colin patted the neck of his ancient horse. “Poor Stormcloud,” he murmured to the beast. “You"re done in. We"ll have to stop soon.”
The horse snorted in response, shaking its silver mane.
“I know you"ve been a gray all your life, friend,” he told the animal as they crunched side by side through the undergrowth. “You worked hard during my father"s time and quite a bit of mine. Now, with that sway-backed gait and your sore feet, you look very much like the old man you are. Let"s just take it easy, shall we? I know life is waiting for me, but surely nothing will go horribly wrong in my absence. Bullock is perfectly capable, and my tenants all know what they need to do. They"re going to be fine. Meanwhile, I can enjoy these ancient woods one last time before I settle in to work hard for the
