7

Ianto's stallion was the first to hesitate at the edge of the riverbank, turning its massive head back towards the trees and Ianto resisted the urge to check the tree line as he urged Wildfire forward.

The horse felt Ianto's trepidation as well as his power and he stepped warily, keeping one ear back to listen to their pursuer.

Ianto knew it was getting closer and he finally picked up the reins for the first time, taking the horse and pushing him through the water, downstream.

"Ianto?" Jack asked as his horse went to follow automatically.

"There is a wonderful picnic spot down here that is quicker to reach this way" Ianto called back excitedly.

Everyone pushed forward as the shallow water sloshed around their boots, squealing and laughing as Ianto seemed to judge, then push Wildfire up the far bank and into a clearing.

"We can let the horses graze here too" Ianto said as he slid gracefully from the horse, landing on his feet like a cat.

They laid out the picnic and Ianto rose, "Just going to wash my hands, anyone want me to fetch some water back orare your flasks still good?"

He walked casually to the water's edge and crouched, looking intently across the water and long grass on the far bank, noting the large clearing on that side as well.

The tree line was a good distance, almost the length of the keep away and he was satisfied that they were safe. Jack was watching this, feeling Ianto's unease and he tried not to frown as he watched Ianto nervously brush his finger along the back of his neck, the soft curls resting there bouncing back from his fingers.

It was his tell.

Something was worrying him.

Jack reached into his pocket and felt his gloves, always with him now and he considered pulling them on, then settled as Ianto started walking back slowly.

"It's a shame Lady Mary is unwell" Ianto said as he folded neatly beside Jack, "The fresh air is so invigorating."

"Yes" Gwen gushed happily, "I am enjoying it immensely, thank you so much."

Ianto wondered how much under her mother's thumb she was, then reached up to place a hand over his tunic, the claw beneath it a reminder for the need for vigilance.

They ate as Gwen told them about a home she remembered as a child and the terrible day it burnt down, Ianto nodded in the right places as his eyes scanned relentlessly and Jack was now becoming unnerved by it.

Finally they packed up and Ianto suggested Grey lead the way back so he might show Gwen the waterfall they had missed going over field instead, the hint to use the river to get home another surprise to Jack.

Now he was vigilant too, trying to see whatever was making Ianto stand up in the stirrups to scan, unseen by those ahead of them but the guard who had come with them was also scanning, taking his master's mood to heart.

The noise came from their left in the trees and Ianto looked over at Jack, startled as he realized they had been flanked and Jack was still open, he cursed as he encouraged Wildfire forward.

Jack saw the horse change direction, Ianto's eye settling behind him and he automatically turned to see what Ianto was looking at as he seemed to be pulling the hat from his pocket, a pouch now in his hand as the hat fell to the ground.

The WilderKat was moving fast, a large galloping gait as it thundered towards them and Ianto roared as he leaned forward in his saddle with his mouth wide in anger, urging Wildfire to move faster as he moved between the King and the Kat.

Wildfire was breathing heavily, his nostrils flaring as he rose to greet the attack and he screamed his challenge.

The sound of the stallion screaming made Gray turn and he watched the huge Kat bearing down on his brother with horror, turning his own horse as he yelled.

Gwen reached for his reins, trying to keep him with her, "Don't leave me, I'm scared."

Gray looked at her and shook his head, "My place is next to my king, don't you get that?"

He pulled his horse clear and started to gallop towards them, watching as Ianto raised his hand and starting to yell something at the Kat, making the Kat slide in the soft soil as it twisted in an effort to avoid him.

Then Ianto was airborne. Leaping from the horse as he threw something he had been clasping, the Kat's scream of pain, coupled with its body writhing and twisting as it tried to escape was horrible and it finally managed to get its feet under it and it headed for the trees.

Another scream had everyone turning to watch a second Kat break from the far tree line and it slammed into the retreating Kat, both beasts tumbling as they fought and Ianto swung back into the saddle as he urged them to flee towards the keep.

As they retreated, Ianto looked back over his shoulder and saw a flash of black shadow in the trees as a Kat kept pace with them and as they reached the open gates it seemed to disappear like smoke.

Ianto pushed them into the keep and flew from his horse, pulling Jack from his and holding him tightly as their combined hearts beat each other in a frantic tattoo.

Jack drew back and searched his face for any sign of fear, seeing only relief and kissed him, pulling him close again.

Gwen was hysterically trying to get down off her horse as Gray ignored her, running for the two men and throwing his arms around them both.

Lord Gerard was off his mount and running for the steps as her Majesty stood with the guard watching, heading into the keep and Ianto stepped away from the brothers and looked after him with a frown, "Excuse me."

He entered the castle and was met by Violet, wide eyed and out of breath as she ran to him and he pulled her into a clutch, whispering before releasing her and she nodded, quickly turning so her skirts swirled and running off again.

Jack and Gray entered, following Gwen who was running for her chambers with tears running down her cheeks.

"I fear my lack of concern has shown her my hand" Gray sighed. "I do not wish for a union with her, she is too needy."

"No, it is the fear she exhibits that shows her own hand" Ianto replied softly, turning to face Gray.

"For her fear was not for us, but for the Kat"

"What?"

"We best go and see" Ianto said sadly, knowing it was about to get ugly.