Chapter 13
The sound of the gunshot was almost immediately drowned out by a piercing squeal that was almost a scream. Even as Leander realized the sound was coming from his horse, he felt himself falling back and countered by lunging forward in the saddle and throwing his arms around the animal’s neck. He heard Julien call his name and then another gunshot, but by that point he needed all his energy to maintain his seat as the frantic horse bolted.
Leander cursed himself for losing the reins in his initial attempt to stay on—now all he had were his arms and legs and not nearly enough skill. He felt himself slipping from the saddle and desperately clutched at the horse’s mane. There was only the briefest sensation of falling before his body was jarred so violently that it expelled every o
