Luki made a second attempt to drag the prisoners forward using a fresh horse. But again, the beast faltered mid-stride, whinnying in distress before collapsing with a wounded leg. The chain that tethered the prisoners went taut, pulling some off their feet, then it slackened.
Luki's eyes narrowed into slits. This wasn't a coincidence. He suspected someone was at play and making a fool of them.
Mounting yet another horse, his third one, he barked for two soldiers to ride beside him, flanking him like shields. "Protect this mount and observe the surroundings closely," he growled. His patience was fraying, and his pride even more so.
High above, half-hidden among moss-draped branches, Jethru watched . Camouflaged by his cloak, he wore a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
"Hmm... Not as dumb as you look after all," he muttered, amused by Luki's new precautions.
