“We’ll stop here for the night.” Dendup points to the homestead, a little up on our left-hand side.
Good. The shadows are already lengthening—darkness is not far away. I pet my horse on his neck. He shows no signs of fatigue, but I can feel the tiredness seeping into my own bones. It’s been a long day in the saddle, with many still to go.
“You’re doing good, sister,” Dendup says as we saddle off in the small courtyard. “Just let those reigns lose a bit.” He clasps my hands and inspects the grooves in my red rubbed palms. “They’re going to be sore.” He clicks his tongue. “No need to hold on so tight. Trust yourself.” He shakes his head.
Feeling a blush coming up, I quickly step back and clutch my hands to the side.
“And if you fall, one of us will pick you up.” Dendup’s grimace melts
