I count in my head. He throws the whip on the floor after I count about 10 although I never started the counting before as I thought I would do it out...loud and my master hadn’t granted me to speak out loud, the whip must have been thrown in front of him as I hear it bounce and surrender on the floor to my right hand. He moves heavily into a new position. My chest breathing rapidly the burning back my focus, the pain more tingling now he stopped, I begin to relax my body when I hear a zip. Something far off in the distance. It was a chorus of harsh voices that was slowly coming closer. I listened, trying to make out the words, and the inn keeper suddenly turned back over, listening intently as well. There was a look of trepidation on his face. ‘Through the gloom of the night we go! Under the boughs of the elms we creep! With burning brands and sharpened blades, dirty deeds will be done dirt cheap!’ The innkeeper’s eyes were now wide. He choked on the words, ‘Th- Asag-! The. " I looked at the group looking at us skeptically. "You may bring this lot if you'd like." I looked my watch. "I have a few errands to complete, Kim-chan, I need to be on my way." Kim-chan!" She pouted. "I'm not KimKim any more?"I kissed her cheek. "You've grown up since I saw you last. And you have authority now; I should show you more respect." I had known she had a pet name but for the life of me, I could not remember it until she said it.She beamed. Then she threw her arms around my neck.. "To know what?" The name of the owner of the winning horse?" Excessively; only imagine--but do tell me, viscount, whether you really are acquainted with it or no?" I beg your pardon, madame, but you were about to relate some story, were you not? You said, 'only imagine, '--and then paused. Pray continue." Well, then, listen. You must know I felt so interested in the splendid roan horse, with his elegant little rider, so tastefully dressed in a pink satin jacket and cap, that I could not help.