Caught in the Fox’s Teeth

Chapter 12: Taryn

There is a low glow of lanterns off in the distance. They bob and shift as if they were nothing more than fireflies in the meadow, but I know better. The men converse softly, their words muffled by the vastness of the estate. Laughter carries across the expanse. I’m glad someone is having an enjoyable time in this luxurious prison. One guard hastily rolls a cigarette and sparks a light. I can’t hear what’s being discussed but, to my immense relief, it’s clear my absence has not yet been discovered. Each step I take towards the stable causes my heart to skip a beat. The hammering beats thud rhythmically in my ears, further dampening my senses. Almost there. I’m so close.

Anxiety makes my every nerve come to life. I can almost feel each cool blade of grass bend under the weight of my boots. Their light springiness no match for my heavy steps. The dew clings desperately to the wool of my skirt and stockings. There isn’t much worse than damp wool. I’m thankful there is no rain. I would not mind the sparse crack of thunder here and there to cover the sound of the stables waking up, but I will make do with what I have. I’d done well by pilfering peppermints and apples from the larder. It’s a treat that I bring every time I come to the stables. My visits have slowly been increasing in number and I’m careful to visit at random times throughout the day so the horses don’t get used to my being there at any certain time. I don’t want to spook them. The creatures are far wiser than people give them credit for. They are capable of noticing patterns and routines. The last few visits have been later and later in the day though never at night. I’m not typically permitted out after dark so I make due with using the last light of day whenever possible.

I open the wide door and look into the vast darkness. Only one horse wickers but he’s quickly silenced with an apple. Harsh gusts of air are huffed through nostrils as the strangely sweet scent of manure fills the room. I can’t risk a lantern so I must go by feel and the faintest light from the waning gibbous moon. I feel around the different stalls until I find the familiar velvety snout. Stroking the soft muzzle of my favorite horse, I whisper, “Shh. That’s a girl, Farro. We’re going on a trip you and me. I need you to be quiet, ok?” I know the dappled mare’s ears are keen and her cleverness is unmatched. She will keep quiet. I give her an apple as a reward and payment for her compliance. She snatches it greedily, chomping it between her sizable molars with sloppy chomping noises.

I saddle her and fit the bit in her mouth. With a click of my tongue, I lead her from the cozy warmth of her stall. She’s giddy with excitement. This is an odd delight for my brave girl. I grab another lead and take out the noisy horse from earlier. He’s a large black gelding that should fetch a decent sum of money. In the light, his black hair shimmers in shades of a gorgeous blue-black. At night he is damn near invisible. He’s a beautiful animal. He is not my favorite horse but rather he’s a favorite to a certain bastard I know. My lip curls in a smirk at this final vengeful act. “Sorry, Cudo. I have to take you away now but it’s either you or me. I’ll make sure that you get a decent master. Hopefully they will be better than the one we currently share.” I feel silly talking to a horse, but I know they are listening. They may not understand my words, but they comprehend my tone and demeanor. They’ve noticed my anxieties and are anxious themselves. Farro is ready to beat her feet against the sod so that she may carry me far from this place I once called home. Cudo is just happy to be near Farro and a steady supply of sweets. I give them each a peppermint for good measure.

Cudo nudges my bag softly, sniffling for any more treats. I push him back with a soft giggle. “Soon. I’ll give you more soon.” He shakes his head and wickers again. I hush him with the gentle shushing sounds that mimic the quiet lull of waves lapping the shore. Once he’s calmed, I give him another peppermint. He better enjoy them while he can; my supply is dwindling quickly and we’ve far to go before we rest.

Mounting Farro, I wrap Cudo’s lead to the pommel, the horses and I take off towards our futures abroad. Whatever the road has planned for us, I could not guess but my odds are certainly better out there than staying here.

I make a rude gesture toward the manor and all that I leave behind before I take off into the darkness to disappear from these cursed lands forever.