Flight

A boy reins in his mount, eyes darting wildly behind him. Comforted by the sight of an empty road, he dismounts shakily at the inn, thin frame struggling to control his sturdy companion. Muddy, hungry, bloodied and ragged—riding a mare with no saddle—A runaway. He stands for a while, quietly looking at the establishment, then he pulls himself back onto the horse. He kicks gently, the mare leaps off into the night, a small huddled form riding on her back.