They had been riding for what felt like hours when Ahlund finally let them stop to rest.
When the steed came to a halt, Justin tried to lift his leg over its back to get out of the saddle but discovered too late that it was cramped into position, and he shrieked some choice words as he fell off.
He landed on his back with a thud, half-buried in the high grass. He didn't bother trying to get up.
Ahlund had led them across the grasslands in winding, zigzagging, illogical routes, which had not been easy on an inexperienced rider. Justin had wondered why Ahlund didn't just ride straight. Eventually, he had realized that Ahlund was intentionally avoiding high ground, cutting between hilltops and sticking to the low country whenever possible to avoid being seen.
Their rest stop was in the sh
