I made it to the edge of the city when my conscience couldn't take it anymore. Skewed reasoning aside, I was essentially stealing this horse. I wasn't a horse thief. My real father no doubt had been, but I was not.
I dismounted in a deserted street and slapped the stallion's rump hard. It took off with a snort for the inner-city, no doubt already missing its royal oats.
"So long Urgallon. It was a short ride."
I turned away and made my way back out onto a populated avenue. One of the city gates was ahead and I instantly noticed the heightened security. I kept one handle on my sword beneath the cloak, as I slipped into the pressed throng of a passing caravan.
I kept my head up, as I relied on the stolen helmet to shield my features from view. Yes, it was quite ironic. Too noble to steal a horse, but apparel and weaponry were free game. What could I say, other than I wasn't as bothered by the latter as I had been by the former. It didn't make much sense, but that was the way of it.
"Has anyone seen the Prince's horse?" called out a soldier on horseback near the gate.
I felt relief wash over me. It had been wise to listen to my conscience. It paid to do the right thing and this was a great example of that and I marked it well.
I was abreast of the gate when a voice rang out, "Hey you! What's your business?"
Instinctively I knew they were referring to me and my hands started to pull my sword free from under the cloak, when all action was arrested by a feminine voice that spoke confidently and with authority, "Why, he's one of my guards. Move on and pay no attention to these paranoid Thyanians."
"Hey, watch what you say Lancossian Mistress or we'll impound your goods and you can return home devoid of wealth!"
"Impound my wealth! What wealth is there to be found trading with you Thyanians? You talk more than you're willing to trade and you have even less worth talking about. I practically operate at a loss as it is to even come here!"
"Enough! Get on with you!" The gate guardsman said, with an angry gesture towards the open country beyond the city wall.
The caravan continued on past the gate and I slowly turned my head to regard the woman riding the camel behind me. She was watching me cattily and I sensed trouble. Trouble or not, she had saved me a bunch of it, but what did she require in return?