The Kings of Clonmel

Chapter 20

While there was still some light left, Will returned to Tug and retraced his steps down the trail, looking or a place to set up his own camp. Two hundred metres back from the spot where they had stopped, he sighted a small glade a short distance from the side of the path. A large tree had fallen here, some years ago judging by the moss that covered its trunk. As it came down, it had taken several of its smaller neighbours with it, clearing an open space. It was an ideal spot. Not far off the path and almost unnoticeable. If Will hadn't actually been looking for a camp site, he would have ridden straight past. Most casual travellers would do the same, he reasoned.

He led Tug through the trees and waist-high undergrowth that marked the edge of the trail and looked around, assessing the spot. The trail was almost invisible from here, which meant that the clearing would be the same for someone on the trail. There was an open space some five metres by four – more than enough for his camp site.

Not that it would be much of a camp, he thought. There'd be no tent and no fire. But there was thick grass for Tug to graze on and Will's real purpose was to find a spot where Tug would be out of sight.

He watered the horse again and made the 'free' hand signal, which told Tug he could graze if he wished to. The little horse moved around the clearing, nose to the ground, assessing the quality of the local fodder. Apparently finding it to his liking, he began to rip bunches of the thick green grass from the ground, chewing it with that grinding noise that horses make.

`Sorry I can't unsaddle you,' Will said. 'We may have to move out in a hurry.'

Tug glanced up at him, ears pricked, eyes alight with intelligence.

No matter.

The horse knew from long experience that Will would never neglect his comfort, unless there was a good reason to do so. Will sat, his back against the fallen tree trunk and his knees drawn up. He'd need to get back to his vantage point soon, he thought. He wanted to see when the guards were changed. He hoped that whoever relieved the man he'd selected would stay in the same spot. There was no reason why he shouldn't, he thought, but you never knew.

As the last light was fading, Will stood. Tug raised his head instantly, ears up, ready to move forward for Will to mount him. But Will shook his head.

`Stay here,' he said. Then added the one-word command: 'Silent.'

Tug understood the command; it was one of many that the little horse had been taught when he had been trainedby Old Bob, the Ranger Corps' horse trainer. 'Silent'