Whisper by Christine Grey Page B

quarters had their effect. Refuse had been left to rot in gutters; dogs, as well as quite a few people, urinated where the urge struck them; and outside of some of the drinking establishments—well, it was best not to slow down at all when passing those. When they’d passed, everyone was glad to finally be away from the more aromatic parts of the city.
    “Ahead is one of the places we can get horses,” Darius said. “There are three places in total, with between one and three Etrafarians running each, along with a multitude of hired help who are kept to care for the animals and assist prospective buyers. All three are reputable, but this is where my family went, so I am familiar with it.”
    Dearra frowned a little and gave Darius her best pout. “Hired help? Then we might not even get to see a fairy? Oh, I was really looking forward to it.”
    “I’m sure we can figure something out before we leave, Dearra. The Etrafarians don’t stray very far. I’m sure I’ll be able to find you one.”
    Dearra, you’re terrible, Brin scolded.
    I g ot my way, though, didn’t I?
    “Dearra!” Daniel snapped at her.
    “Yes, Daniel?”
    “Stop it!” Then, to Darius, he said, “Why do you let her get away with that?”
    “She is terrible, I have to admit, but look down at the little one at your side and tell me what you could refuse her.”
    “Point taken. But she doesn’t take advantage the way that one does.” Daniel shook his head in pity for Darius.
    “Hmm,” Carly said. “Now that I know the power I have, I just might have to take a lesson or two from Dearra. Show me that pout again. Was it like this? Or maybe a little more subtle like this?” and the group had a good laugh together.
    Shortly thereafter they came up to a large, fenced surround that held thirty-five or forty massive black horses. The animals stood seventeen hands at the shoulder, on average. Their coats were all black, except for a few who had long-haired, white stockings on one or more legs, and the occasional white blaze on their faces. The white was a hold-over from their far gentler cousin, the Shire horse. These horses were bred to be fierce in battle and to carry their Breken masters through a multitude of situations and in a multitude of climates.
    “Daniel, have any of you ridden before?” Darius asked.
    “Only Carly, I’m afraid. Life on Maj doesn’t require anything more than one’s own feet.”
    “No matter. You may bounce around a bit at first, but you’ll find your seat fast enough.”
    Out of the corner of her eye Dearra noticed a dirty man sneaking up behind her. She had Brin half out of his scabbard before Darius put a hand on her sleeve to stop her.
    “Does the miss wish ‘elp?” the man asked in an oily voice.
    “Yes. We’ve come to purchase six of your animals. Is your mistress about?”
    “Aye, she about. No tellin’ where she be, but she be about sure ‘nuff. Ole Scoggins ‘elp you fine. Six, you say? Well, best be lookin’ roun’ yerself. Holler when yer ready.”
    Dearra wasn’t sure putting Brin away was the wisest course of action. “Darius, you trust that… man? He snuck up on me.”
    “He didn’t sneak up on you, Dearra. Here everyone always watches their backs, and he assumed you knew he was there. As far as he was concerned, what he did was just good manners so as not to disturb you while you shopped.”
    “Well, now I feel like a fool.”
    Not the first time is it? You’ll get over it, Brin said.
    “Don’t worry about it, Dearra. Chances are Scoggins has forgotten it already. In Parsaia, it isn’t healthy to hold a grudge, especially over something as inconsequential as someone pulling a sword on you.”
    “You call that inconsequential?” Dearra said.
    “You didn’t use it, so yes, I do. Stop worrying now and let’s all have a look around.”
    Darius soon had four horses chosen, one for each of himself, William, Hugh, and Daniel. The ladies, however, seemed to be needing more time to