Christmas at Carnton (Carnton 0.5)(65)

“God made a wondrous thing when he made these creatures, Lieutenant Cooper. In some ways, they’s smarter than we is. They know things. They remember things too.”

Ridley stared, his decision made. He just didn’t know how to go about explaining it to this man. Or what he would tell his commander.

The sky to the east showed a pearly gray slowly giving way to dawn. “It’ll be light soon, Mr. Green. If you aim to keep these horses in your possession, I suggest you find another good hidin’ spot.” He phrased it much as Green had earlier. “And find it right quick.”

Green stilled. And stared. “Are you sayin’ that—” The question in his features melted into cautious gratitude. “Why you doin’ this, sir?”

Ridley laughed and took the reins of the gelding. “I have no idea. I only know I can’t be responsible for destroying so—” How had Green put it? “So wondrous a creature as these animals are.” Ridley briefly looked away, the tightness in his throat betraying his weariness, both in body and soul. “Not when there’s so little wondrous left in this world.”

Weary and eager to be gone, Ridley mounted the gelding, aware of Green closing the distance between them.

“I thank you, Lieutenant Cooper. And I promise you, sir, as sure as God is listenin’ to me right this minute, I be prayin’ he pays you back for your kindness. And that he keeps you safe, sir.” Green extended his hand.

But Ridley only stared at it. “Thank you, Mr. Green . . . But I don’t believe God hears our prayers anymore. Or if he does, he sure doesn’t seem to be heeding them.”

Sensing Green’s argument, Ridley urged the gelding in the opposite direction of the patrol and didn’t look back.

The story continues in

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander.