Falling on my butt as I slid to the ground off of Arion’s back, I was thankful to have such a well-padded derriere. Isobeau had sheathed her dagger and picked up a nearby bucket as if it were just another day. She headed for the stream to the side of the clearing where Arion was drinking great gulps of water. Patting the horse’s neck, my hand came away wet and muddy.

“What were those things? Will they come back?” I asked her.

“I have heard of them but I have not ...