My discomfort is only partly because of the hard form at my back. My dress is even more bunched and my ass hurts worse than before from trotting.
Unable to move, I stop wriggling and sigh. He tucks me into his body. My shoulders fit perfectly between his, giving him space to reach for the weapons at his back and hips without me getting in the way. His thick thighs are pressed against mine, the smooth shapes of his muscles moving against my back.
"My men are better disciplined. They also have nothing to lose," he says quietly.
"Except our heads," says the man who approaches from the side. He's wearing the head of a wolf with silver eyes.
"Aye, but they grow back."
The two laugh at a joke that's over my head.
"My master-at-arms and second in command," the Shadow Knight says, motioning to the man. "He is the only man I will ever send orders through for you, witch."
"Oh, great," I murmur.
Wolfie eyes me.
The army of animal-headed warriors has one advantage: intimidation. I'm not sure what I'd do if I saw them coming towards me on the battlefield.
I'm starting to overheat once more, even though it's a temperate day. I want to think it's the horse, but a glance at the roped forearm in front of me makes me admit otherwise.
"Position the men," the Shadow Knight says to Wolfie.
"Aye." Wolfie kicks his horse forward, and I notice for the first time he's not using a saddle.
"Since this is your first battle, I will advise you of this: do not get captured and do not get in my way, witch," the Shadow Knight tells me.
Great advice. I say nothing.
"No trees," he adds more quietly. "You may be a new battle-witch, but you are trying my patience."
I close my eyes and begin my little chant. This isn't real. I'll be home soon.
"What say you, witch?"
My eyes snap open. I might've said something aloud before without realizing it, but I know I didn't this time.
"Nothing," I reply, uneasy with the idea he might be able to read my mind. It's ridiculous, not remotely possible. "I have a name, you know."
"Name?"
I roll my eyes. "You know, what friends and family call me instead of witch."
"You would share this with me so soon?"
What weird rule of LF's did I miss now? "Um, sure. Don't you have a name?"
"'Tis not spoken."
"Do people flee in fear?" I ask sarcastically.
"You who do not know our ways should not mock them."
"I'm not mocking your world. It's so . . . strange to me. There is nothing like this or you where I'm from."