nine
I stroke the horse’s flank, supple and sturdy. Its lean muscles show through, giving away the mare’s actual strength. My fingers fumble. I haven’t been on a horse for ages. A mule, yes, but a horse like this? My body stiffens as the cream-colored mare shakes herself and snorts, a brisk encouragement to hurry.
“Come on.” Sangmo folds her hands to form a stirrup. “I’ll give you a leg up.” Both hands on the withers. I pull myself up. “There you are.” She hands me the reins and I hold on tight.
“Good morning, Gen-la.” I bow my flushed face to the monk next to me. I should have acknowledged him sooner. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Having switched his old mare for a fierce stallion, Ghedun’s horse prances with fervor. The fact he’s also coming has slipped my mind. For sure, we could nev
