The Silver Horse by Kate Forsyth Page A

mightily, showing all his teeth.
    â€˜The man that’s after you, he showed up at the camp this morning with the local garrison,’ Sebastien said. ‘He wanted to know where you were, and when we said we didn’t know, the soldiers requisitioned all our horses, every single one of them.’
    â€˜No!’ Emilia was shocked. ‘All those beautiful horses?’
    â€˜Aye. Every one. And not a penny did they pay.’
    â€˜I’m so sorry,’ Luka said helplessly. Even though he knew it was not really their fault, he could not help feeling guilty. Zizi looked at him anxiously, then cuddled her thin arms about hisneck, crooning softly. Luka put up his hand and stroked her fur.
    Sebastien looked grim. ‘My father wants to see you, right away.’
    â€˜But why? He’s not turning us in to the constables, is he?’ Emilia cried.
    â€˜He wouldn’t do that.’
    â€˜Not even to get his horses back?’ Luka demanded.
    Sebastien did not answer. He looked troubled.
    â€˜We’re not going,’ Luka said. ‘Even if your father doesn’t intend to turn us in, that Coldham fellow is probably hanging around waiting for you to lead him straight to us. He didn’t follow you, did he?’ he asked in sudden alarm.
    â€˜No, of course not,’ Sebastien said.
    â€˜Are you sure?’
    Sebastien bit his lip.
    â€˜Come on, Emilia, let’s get out of here!’ He swung the bag onto his shoulder and turned toface Sebastien. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘But we can’t take the risk. If we get locked up too, there’s no chance to help our family. All of us will hang, or be transported. I’m not going to let that happen.’
    â€˜My father doesn’t want to turn you in to the constables!’ Sebastien cried. ‘He wants your horse, for the race today.’
    â€˜He wants Alida?’ Emilia put her hand protectively on her mare’s withers. ‘But why?’
    â€˜She looks fast,’ Sebastien said.
    â€˜She is fast,’ Emilia boasted. ‘No other horse can catch her!’
    â€˜Good,’ Sebastien said. ‘Because if we don’t have a horse to race today, there’s going to be trouble. Big trouble. There’s money riding on this race, and we can’t afford to forfeit.’
    â€˜I’m sorry for that,’ Luka said, picking up Sweetheart’s chain. ‘But it’s too much of a risk.’
    â€˜No. Wait.’ Emilia turned to Sebastien. ‘Will your father promise to help us if I bring himAlida? And will your grandmother give me her charm, the charm of the silver horse?’
    Sebastien’s brows drew together. ‘Her what?’
    â€˜The charm she wears, the charm of the silver horse.’
    He shrugged, looking sullen. ‘I don’t know. She may. I can’t speak for her.’
    â€˜If your father promises to help us, and if your grandmother gives me her charm, I’ll help you today,’ Emilia said. ‘Otherwise Luka and I walk out of here now, and do not come back.’
    Sebastien clenched his fists, his jaw thrust forward.
    â€˜Alley-oop!’ Emilia cried, and at once Sweetheart reared up onto her hind paws, snarling, raking the air with her claws. Sebastien took a few quick steps back.
    â€˜Don’t even think you could take Alida from me,’ Emilia said through her teeth. ‘We’d fight you if you tried, and we’ve got Sweetheart, andRollo too.’ She said another word and Sweetheart came down ponderously onto all fours.
    Sebastien held up both hands. ‘Of course I wouldn’t steal her from you,’ he said, trying to joke. ‘I know all about your magic spells, remember?’
    â€˜But Emilia, it’s too dangerous,’ Luka protested. ‘Coldham will be there, for sure, looking for us. He won’t give up that easily, you know that.’
    Emilia frowned. ‘We have to get that