GHOSTSOFSHATTEREDLIVES

 

Richter’s decree is always right, after all.”Gwyn snorted as sheshotKarinaaglarebeforeturningaway.A Richter is aRichter.Anyformofhumanitystopswhenthedamnedemperorordersakilling.

Thecommringsgiventoeachofthemvibrated.Eachfo-

cusedtheirmindsonthering,andDeputyDirectorMueller’svoice entered their minds. “Good morning. The requested horse has been delivered to the livery attached to the Black Boar.I wish you success and safety in your task.Keep me apprised of any developments.”

“Well,”Couragesaid,risingfromthetable. “Iguessit’stimefor us to go.”

They grabbed their bags, returned their room keys, and made their way to the livery. Through the barn doors, they steppedintothecentralaislebetweentworowsoftenhorse stalls.Arcanyx crystals minimized but didn’t eliminate the odors of hay, piss, and shit.Some of horses neighed as the trio entered.Two snored.Siobhan whinnied and stamped herhoof. GwynrubbedSiobhan’smaneandthenkissedher forehead.Courage stroked the neck of his chestnut brown mare. Besidethemarewasanonyxhorsewithasinglewhite diamond on its forehead.

The stable attendant, a teenage Human boy with an un- kempt mop of blond hair and heavy acne noticed the three enter. Hisvoicecrackedashespoke,andheforcedhistone lowertocompensateasheaddressedKarina,hisgazefirmly planted on the floor.“You must be Miss Richter.The man whodroppedoffHoneysucklesaidyou’dbedressedlikethehorse.”

Gwyn’seyesshiftedfromthehorsetoKarina’sbackside. Shesmiled.“Andjustasmuchofanass.”