Wacion guided his sister down the familiar path that led from their home. Lindar remained silent as she let these events soak in. Thoughtful as ever, Lindar was one to plan rather than recklessly take off. They had barely started down the road when Lindar came to a sudden stop.

"Wait! We forgot Sammy!" She exclaimed.

Wacion closed his eyes and mentally scolded himself.

'Of course you would leave in a rush and forget the horse!'

Sammy was a beautiful chestnut stallion. Strong yet gentle, with eyes that seemed to look straight through you. The horse had become a part of their tiny family back when the siblings had made their way to take a home in Archet. Sammy had been a colt, and left for dead along the road. Half starved, and badly mistreated. Lindar had immediately fallen in love with the poor beast. What could Wacion do but to take in the animal and care for it? The horse had indeed grown and repaid the kindness back tenfold.

"Wacion! We can not abandon Sammy!"

Wacion was pulled from his thoughts and looked back at his sister. Her face plainly showed her distress.

"Of course." He answered.

Wacion, not willing to leave his sister to stand alone in the road, led her back to their beloved home. Lindar pulled free of her brother's guiding hand and started a brisk walk toward the small stable that stood behind the house.

Wacion let out a sigh. "Be careful!" He ordered, fearful of what may happen.

Lindar waved a dismissive hand behind her and quickened her pace. Before long she had reached the stable door and yanked it open, allowing the comforting smell of hay to engulf her.

"Sammy?" She called out.

She grinned as a friendly whinny replied. Lindar took note that the reply held a hint of concern. She had come to recognize these sounds and tones easily.

"It's alright, I am here now." She spoke gently as she felt her way to the only stall in which Sammy was held.

Her hand was greeted by Sammy's velvety nose. Linda smiled as she pet Sammy.

"I will never leave you." She whispered.

Quickly, Wacion came into the stable and went right to work preparing the horse for the unknown journey ahead.

Lindar rubbed Sammy's neck. "You should be more gentle with him." She said.

Wacion grunted as he lifted the saddle over the horse's back. "No time for gentleness."

Lindar shrugged, content in the fact Sammy was coming none the less. After a few moments Wacion spoke,

"Alright, let's get out of here."

Linda nodded and reached out to take hold the saddle horn. She carefully put a foot in the stir up and lifted herself up. Wacion stood by, ready to assist or catch his sister. Once she was comfortable, he climbed up and sat behind her. Sammy stood still and patiently waited beneath his burden.

"Ok Sammy, let's ride!" Wacoin said as he gave a small flick of the reins and gently nudged him in the side with his heel.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lindar did not have to see to know how fast they were traveling. Her hair was blowing and she could feel the wind on her face. How desperately she wanted to let go of the saddle horn and spread out her arms, as if to truly fly.

"Are you holding on tightly?" Her brother asked, almost as if he knew her hands were itching to let go.

"Yes, brother." She replied tiredly.

Wacion hid a smile and urged Sammy to gallop faster. They had been riding long and hard for some time. Neither glanced back even once to see if the blazing fire had reached their home in Archet.

The darkness was still strong, but as long as they stayed on the Great East Road, all should be fine. The beating of the horse's hooves was soothing as it stayed in time and never once faltered. Wacion was deeply grateful for the ride, rather than having to walk. Although he knew Sammy could not run forever.

Suddenly a loud and terrified scream pierced the air. Wacion immediately pulled the reins back and Sammy slowed down. His sides were heaving from exhaustion. Wacoin turned in his seat and stared horrified at what lay behind them. Lindar did not bother to look back, yet her posture was tense and she clutched the saddle horn.

"What is it?" She asked.

"It's nothing." He answered softly, still gazing at the scene.

"Do not lie to me Wacion, I heard the scream!"

Wacion looked sorrowfully back at his sister for a moment then back at his old home, unable to bear the look that would show on Lindar's face once she knew.

"Archet is being attacked. The fires are beginning."  He finally said.

Lindar let out a small gasp and covered her mouth. Her thoughts flew to Mrs. Needler. She could only hope the scream had not come from their kind neighbor.

Wacion looked away, toward the destruction. It was far easier for him to look upon that, than to face his hurting sister. His heart felt shattered at seeing his only true home enduring such violence.

'Who would do this? How? Why?!'

He could only imagine what Lindar was feeling.

Without a word, Wacion faced the road ahead and dug his heels into Sammy and the he took off, as if the very road was all in flames. Lindar held on tightly as they sped off. Any enjoyment or leisurely thoughts of flying had been extinguished.

"Where are we going?" She asked suddenly.

Without a moments hesitation Wacion answered,

"Gondor."

Lindar was taken back from the unexpected reply.

"Gondor? But why?"

"To ask for aid from King Elessar."

"What would a king want with us simple folk?"

"You forget, sister, it was King Elessar who freed us from our bondage. He is a good king."

Lindar let out a breath, understanding his mind was made up and nothing would sway him. What else could they do? "Unto Gondor then."

Wacion shook his head. "Not right away. We need to rest first. We've been riding for hours and Sammy can not go on much longer. "

"We can not stop out in the open." Argued Lindar as she considered the frightening possibilities.

"On the contrary, we are nearing Weather Hills. Perhaps we can rest there."

Sure enough, a little ways on stood a range of hills. For now the darkness made the the hills seem like menacing  shadows, but Wacion knew they would find shelter and rest in those hills.

A/n

I choose the name Sammy sort of in memory of killing off Sam.. yeah that's still painful to ponder on. We are going to leave Wacion and Lindar here for now, and move on. But no fear, we have not seen the last of them. Please comment what you think of this so far!