Chapter Nine
Dread In Darklair
“Karel, one of our horses is missing.”
“Are you sure, Stasio? Could it have just pulled loose from its tether and wandered off?”
“I checked that. The tether wasn’t broken, and the hoof prints lead off toward Moorland Lane at a gallop. Someone rode away on it.”
Karel frowned. “Which horse was it?”
“Zoya, the copper bay mare from Milos’ wagon.”
“Let’s go check.” The two ran to Milos’ wagon and Karel pounded on the door.
After a moment it opened, and Milos stuck his head out, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
“You slept late,” Stasio said. “It’s after nine o’clock.”
Milos scowled. “Hedy kept me awake half the night, cursing me and complaining about how she’s mistreated by all of us.”
“Where is she now?” Karel asked.
“She’s not cooking breakfast with the
