Chapter 80

THE FOREST WAS MUCH SPARSER here and I could smell salt in the air. I squirmed in the saddle, trying to see more. Alek laughed at me.

'Pull Cat up to standing,' Loushka thought to us both. 'It's a good view.'

Helping me out of the stiff overcoat, Alek pulled me to my feet. I leaned back against him, looking out. What a spectacular sight. We approached what must be a city. It looked miles bigger than Gartoll and I could just make out a harbour littered with boats. I felt a rush of excitement and twisted to look up at Alek.

'Are we going to the city?'

'No, we're going to somewhere even better.'

We settled back down into the saddle and I stretched my arms out, relieved to be rid of that coat.

'Would you stop that?'

'What?' I looked up in surprise as he stared down with a bemused smile.

'I said we'd discuss your outfit later, arching your back like that isn't helpful.'

Whoops. I'd actually forgotten how low the v-neck on my sweater was.

I laughed at him. 'No-one's making you loo