portrayed no emotion . The unblinking gaze of his grey eyes dug through her skin . It was as if he was watching her very soul .
Something in his made her anger die down , replaced by respect , almost awe of the man on the white steed . She noticed that his soldiers watched him with the same admiration as she did . His soldiers . There was no doubt about it : he was their commander .
The horse took a step forward . Then another . For each step it made towards her , she felt herself retreating one . She felt herself fall . She found herself gazing up at the beast , its eyes the same tone as its rider ’ s . A hand reached down , lined with scars and blisters from constant use , just like hers . She wrapped both her arms around it , as if around a fire on a winter night , as if around driftwood in the middle of the sea with no land in sight . She felt herself being pulled up , her body following where her arms were being taken . A tingling sensation warmed her skin , like dew on spring grass . She felt it radiating through her flesh to soothe her blood . He did not know how to describe it except as the opposite of despair .
She saw the white mare beneath her , its warmth , its vitality seeping into her through the front of the leather saddle . A voice came directly from behind her . It was smooth , calm , comforting , yet it seemed to have a matchless sense of purpose . Of determination .
“ Don ’ t worry , girl . You are among friends .” She turned around , seeing the commander ’ s composed features close up . He was clean shaven with high cheekbones and a strong , defined jawline . His eyes glimmered in the rays of the early sun . Were they blank ? Distrustful ? Kind ? She could not tell , but she wanted to believe his words . A man with such an air of courage , he would not lie , would he ? “ What is the opposite of despair , Captain ?” “ Hope .”
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