Anya had Sassy saddled and ready by the time Gelvin returned. Before she could mount Sassy, Gelvin spoke.
“Please wait. I will need you to put my items on me,” he said. Anya looked at him curiously. Gelvin set down his items, which for some reason were in saddlebags. “Trust me, we will travel much faster like this.”
“What do you-” Anya started. Then, before her astonished eyes, Gelvin transformed into an Appaloosa stallion. Anya’s jaw dropped. “You are a horse witch?” The stallion that had been Gelvin nodded. “I see. Well, you are correct that we will travel faster like this.” Anya put the saddlebags on Gelvin, looped a rope around his neck, and mounted Sassy.
As the three set off on the road, Anya couldn’t help glancing at Gelvin. Horse witches ran in families; becoming a horse witch without having relatives who were horse witches wasn’t possible. Horse witches were odd in their specificity. Any spell that related to horses, they could cast, regardless of how powerful it might be or how difficult it would be for a non-horse witch. But the only spells they could cast that didn’t have to do with horses were incredibly minor and basic, such as changing the color of a ribbon or making an apple ripe.
Anya was still wary about staying in a town, given how recently the coup had happened. After confirming with Gelvin that he was fine with it, they stopped for the night at a cave in the woods. A stream was nearby, providing fresh water. Anya tied Sassy to a tree, then removed the bags from Gelvin. Gelvin turned human again and helped Anya tend to Sassy.
“Depending upon how long it takes us to reach Wind’s Grove, you may ride me as your steed,” Gelvin said to Anya as he brushed Sassy down. Anya frowned at him.
“Why would I do that?”
“Sassy is with foal,” Gelvin informed her. Anya’s jaw dropped. “She will eventually reach a point in her pregnancy where she can no longer be ridden. Hopefully, we reach home before then.”
“Yes,” Anya mumbled quietly, trying to grapple with the news. Gelvin went to start a small campfire for them. Anya looked at Sassy. “Sassy, a stallion had his way with you before I found you?” Sassy nodded. “Oh, I am so sorry I did not find you before then.” Anya stroked the former Prince’s neck. “Do not worry. We will come up with something.”
Sassy nickered softly. She trusted Anya. Anya kissed her forehead, then joined Gelvin by the fire. Sassy looked at Gelvin. Gelvin, however, she wasn’t completely sure she could trust. Perhaps it was just her new wariness around stallions, but him being able to turn people into horses gave her a bad feeling.