The way Dane's brow furrowed when Caine's suggestion was met openly stated clearly that, while he was stiff, he wasn't stupid. The reins were in his hand and his eyes narrowed, stepping back as if to avoid getting too close to him. Like he might catch something.<br/><br/>He'd turned his back to them both as the yammering started, attending to the small rumbling ball of grey fur that seemed so content. Once he'd peeled it off and tucked it onto a hay bale, he faced the animal in his control. The poor palomino was as far away as the thin strap of leather would allow. His lips twisted all the deeper into that frown as Ace appealed to a part of him that was all too ready to show its disgust for the other man.<br/><br/>“I’d sooner walk,” came the mutter as he looked over the frightened animal in front of him. Something would have to be done about it, and soon, or else he’d risk actually having to double up with the degenerate. Though, as he stated, he would be more akin to catching up to them while on foot. Those broad shoulders rolled all the more forward as Ace hastily admitted to being not better than a common thief.<br/><br/>The other man, however, seemed far more amused by his antics. With a gracious nod of his head and a smile, Caine accepted the reigns to the pinto and gave a soft pat to its neck before turning to lead it outside.<br/><br/>"Did you even need to ask?" He chimed, looking over the rather paltry saddle that he now owned. He supposed it would do. One boot needed no goading as it stepped into the stirrup and swung atop. A quick wiggle of his hips and he was set, the animal below him only giving a distant backwards swivel of it ears at the newcomer. He dotingly patted its side. He gave a knowing look behind Ace before motioning with his head for the man to follow as he spun his steed around and then urged it forward to the path ahead.<br/><br/>What enraged Dane, as he stood in front of the increasingly alarmed animal who could no doubt feel his fire, was that neither man would object if the previous owners came for their horses. No. They’d probably relish it, in fact. Men like this would just kill and take, despite the obvious advantage they had over the rather common patrons of the tavern. That's what bothered him the most.<br/><br/>It’s what also made up his mind.<br/><br/>He didn't want two men to die over two horses, though his mind could easily replace those two who would go with those inside and the men he was leaving with. If there was one thing he abhorred , it was an unfair fight.<br/><br/>The horse gave a sudden tug and, without thought, Dane pulled back and stepped forward. His free hand snatched the bridle, keeping the animal from turning its head. Wide , frightened eyes gazed back into his.<br/><br/>It suddenly shivered, the long neck quivering before it relaxed. Toned muscles eased and long lashes fluttered before falling half open. Dane stepped forward, petting at its cheek and whispering soft words that sounded soothing. They weren't, but it made for a good enough show. He didn't need the the other men getting suspicious. He finally stepped to the side and mounted the somewhat catatonic animal.<br/><br/>The moment he adjusted himself in the saddled, Ace’s thoughts of him being a poor rider would have been shattered. His weight adjusted expertly, hands gently taking the reins and body leaning down as he gave a soft hick. The animal awoke and, after a brief lean back, started forwards at a canter that broke him past the two others.<br/><br/>He was going along with this, for now. The lesser of two evils, he wasn’t eager to catch the attention of the others as even hearing a jeering cry behind them would work to shudder his already wounded soul.<br/><br/>He promised himself that he’d say a prayer tonight.<br/><br/>Cain watched as he carried past, giving a chuckle as he sat higher in the saddle. He turned to look over his shoulder at Ace.<br/>“It’s to be a race, then! Apparently, your words have a way with him,” he grinned. Turning the horse hard in a gentle spin, Caine slammed his heels into the animal and it bolted forwards and down the path, heading after the quickly disappearing flanks of the palomino.