“You’re kidding,” I blurt, looking at the giant tortoise the size of a horse.

“In this economy, I cannot afford a horse,” Jack says, patting the giant shell of the tortoise.

It groans in response.

“So you buy a giant tortoise instead!” I scream. There is no way we’re getting home until after nightfall.

Jack holds up his hands. “Hey, he was cheap. And it’s better than walking.”

“It’s _slower_ than walking.” I shake my head in aggravation.

The tortoise snaps at me.

“He didn’t like that,” Jack laughs.

Clearly.

I roll my eyes as we slowly move down the trail. The tortoise’s shell is warm and rough.

Jack talks to the tortoise, telling him about his great adventures.

It’s sunset and we haven’t even left the village.

It’s going to be a long ride.