There was never going to be a better opportunity. Gods knew I'd been looking for a chance ever since Garmr had forced me back to the swamp against my well, and there had never been a better shot than this.

I wasn't certain how many of the men would following the retreating back of the spotted stallion, but given the rumors that surrounded the man, I assumed the number would be fairly large. Rumors claimed he was once a boss of these men, and that now he was being held as a trophy of some sort of renown or rank or status.

I definitely wasn't jealous. Okay, maybe a little. Look, it just would have been nice to matter to someone in this foreign land.

But when I saw the painted rump of overo stallion - Khyber - I sensed my opportunity was determined not to let it pass me this time. I moved as quickly and as stealthily as I could, tiptoeing lightly over the late spring soil with my head ducked down and tail flagged out behind me. The ocean terrified me as I reached the shore, but the sweet allure of freedom and the potential - however faint - that I might actually see the real Luthien, kept my steps steady as I submerged myself into the icy water.

By the time I arrived, I was sputtering and exhausted, my ribs heaving with the effort of drawing breath into my salt-burned lungs. My beautiful mane and tail were sodden, my eyes red-rimmed, but still I was here. I was free. Maybe only for a moment, but even a moment was something to hold onto. Warily, I turned and peered behind me, searching the waves for any sign of pursuit.