Outside the rain still fell, but with less intensity and the night was quiet, save for the sound of raindrops hitting the roof of the enclosure. Humphrey went over to Bastion, who nuzzled his hand looking for a treat.

“Sorry, lad,” he said quietly, “I have nothing for you, tonight.” Humphrey stroked the horse’s nose and Bastion nodded his head as if he understood. “Just rest, old friend,” he told him, “as we have a long road ahead of us on the morrow.”

The horse snorted and dropped his head, so Humphrey moved to the waist-high fence and looked out over the sodden, silent forest. Somewhere out there in the darkness was their salvation, but they were still surrounded by enemies and had a long, hard road to follow before any of them would be safe or could breath easy once again.

To be continued…