[This post is from Cameron’s point of view.]
Cameron knew that if he pushed even a little, he could make it home well before morning. Even with the broken terrain and the gathering darkness, it wasn’t very far to travel, and Cameron had traveled the route in worse weather than this. Today was a little cloudy, but otherwise the weather was pleasant, with a slight breeze. His horse trotted easily along the path and he sat comfortably in the saddle, silent but vigilant as he rode. The last thing he wanted was to get caught unawares on the road, especially when no one was expecting him back.
I could be lost out here for a long time if something happened. No one knows when to expect me home.
He exhaled quietly. He’d left just past lunchtime on his way back home. At his current pace, he would be home by midmorning. A little faster, and he’d be home possibly before sunrise.
I could do it. It wouldn’t take much.
He missed Neve, missed their bed, the sound of her breathing. He could make the ride, press a little harder, make it home during the graveyard watch. He’d have a few hours alone with his lover before anyone bothered him, before anyone needed him because they wouldn’t know he was back yet. He’d be able to appear at breakfast and then report what had happened on his trip—and find out what he’d missed in his absence.
There were darker clouds to the north, clouds that had nothing to do with the sunset that would come in a few hours. Cameron frowned slightly, staring at them for a moment, then exhaled again.
I feel like that makes my decision for me.
He set his heels to his horse’s flanks and broke into a gallop.
