The falcon's daughters

Chapter 8

On the outskirts of town, they found a stable.

- We'll see if we can get a couple of horses here.

- Maybe you should wait out here Dorcha. We don't want to scare the horses.

Dorcha lay down in the shadows outside of the stable. A young man who was sweeping the floor looked up as they entered the stable. He was dressed in dark leather trousers and a light cotton shirt. On his feet he wore a pair of sturdy leather boots with dark stains on from when he had cleaned the stable earlier. He stroked a strand of long brown hair from his forehead and looked at them with hazelnut brown eyes. His gaze stayed on Kit and his voice was friendly as he smiled at her.

- Can I help you?

- We are interested in buying a couple of horses.

Kit smiled back shyly and bit lightly in her lower lip to prevent the laughter from emerging to the young man’s reaction when Lace began to speak. He looked at him in surprise as if it was the first time he noticed that there were actually two people that had entered the stable. He nodded and leaned the broom against the wall.

- Of course. Wait here and I'll get Master Reppi.

His eyes slid back to Kit and he smiled at her until Lace cleared his throat. He smiled apologetically and disappeared behind a corner.

- I think he was smitten with you, my girl.

Kit felt the heat rise on her cheeks as she blushed. It was the first time she met a boy her age, It was the first time she met other people at all in fact. She opened her mouth to answer when the young man returned with an elderly man. He was a short and slim man. It was probably many years since he lost the hair on his head and under a thin gray mustache he smiled broadly and showed that he was also missing a couple of teeth. His eyes were still alert and full of life and they showed the intelligence the man had.

- Good day. My name is Reppi. The boy said you wanted to buy a couple of horses.

- Yes if that is possible?

- Of course. Reppi's stable has the best horses in the whole Derian. Follow me.

He beckoned to them to follow him and began to walk down the hall. They followed Reppi through the dim corridors of the stable until he stopped in front of a large gray horse.

- Kori here is one of my finest horses. He is strong and enduring.

Lace carefully examined the horse. He put his hands over the horse's sides and legs. After checking the hoofs and the horse's teeth, he nodded.

- He looks good. He'll be fine. Then we need one for the girl too.

Reppi nodded and led them deeper into the stable.

- I think I have one that can suit her.

A movement in the corner of her eye stopped Kit. In the stall in front of her stood a large black horse. The only white spot on the horse's forehead brought her thoughts to a lonely star on a dark winter night. She stretched out her hand and touched the soft nose slightly. The horse froze a little before taking a step forward so she could let her hand slide up it’s head. Absent, she called for Reppi's attention and looked the horse in it’s dark eyes.

- Reppi. How about this one?

Reppi stared at her in amazement and turned to Lace.

- How did she do that? Chiro is the wildest horse I have ever met. No one has been able to tame him and he has never let anyone touch him like that before. Actually, he should have been slaughtered for being so wild but I haven't had the heart to do it. He is a beauty.

Kit took a step closer to Chiro and Reppi almost dropped his chin in surprise as the horse leaned its heavy head against her shoulder. Lace suppressed a laugh when he saw the stable master's surprised face..

- What do you want for both horses Reppi?

- I really shouldn't agree to sell such a wild horse to a young girl but after seeing that how can i do anything else. Let's say eight gold coins and I'll add the equipment you need.

- Agreed.

Reppi received the coins that Lace retrieved from a small pouch and cast one last look at Kit and Chiro before shaking his head and mumbling low to himself as he began to walk towards the saddle chamber.

- Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would have never believed it. I'll make your equipment ready.

- So your name is Chiro.

Kit's voice was soft and low as she scratched the horse under the mane.

- We'll become good friends, you and me. I have another friend waiting outside. Her name is Dorcha but you mustn't be afraid of her. She won't hurt you.

Reppi came back with a saddle and some other equipment hung over one arm.

- I told the boy to get Kori ready. I think it is best that the girl saddle Chiro herself.

- How do I do that? I've never been near a horse before.

Thoughtfully Reppi thumped his chin.

- I wonder if that's why he's so calm. Well don't worry i'll explain it to you. Let's start with this blanket. You put it on his back. There can't be any creases on it because then it can damage his skin when the saddle comes on.

Kit took the blanket and let Chiro sniff it before putting it on his back. She smoothed out all the creases on the blanket before going out to Reppi.

- Now you take the saddle. Do not throw it on him, but try to calmly put it down on his back. On the other side here you see a strap. You pull it under his belly and through the buckle that is under this patch.

He lifted a piece of the saddle and showed the buckle.

- At the back of the saddle you have two straps. You can attach a couple of blankets there and under it you can hang your saddlebags.

She took the saddle and gently placed it on Chiro who turned his head and pushed her lightly on the shoulder. She pulled her fingers through the long black mane and patted him on the neck before continuing and tightening the strap that went under his stomach.

- What am I doing now?

He gaped in surprise at the girl's way of handling the horse.

- Unbelievable. Every time someone has tried to saddle him he has gone crazy. Hmm. Yes exactly. Now you take the bridle here. He should have this metal rod in his mouth and this strap should be behind his ears. Now you tighten the strap behind your ears. Not too hard then they can hurt him. Now you take the strap under his chin. The long straps are the reins and they are placed over his neck. There you go. Now he's done.

The young man came with Kori and handed him over to Lace. Shocked, he stared at Kit where she was standing with the black stallion. Reppi laughed heartily at his face as he realized what he must have looked like. Kit took a light hold of Chiro's reins and they left the stable. When they got outside, Dorcha got up and went to meet them. Kori backed away frightened at the sight of her. Chiro bowed his head and let the muzzle rub at her nose. Reppi closed his eyes when he saw the black panther.

- Holy Tera! Is that hers? How could such a young girl tame a panther?

Lace smiled as Dorcha lovingly stroked Kit's legs.

- She has not tamed her. They have grown up together. Kit sees the panther as her best friend.

- How do I get up?

Kit's question brought Reppi's thoughts back to the girl and the horse, and he showed her one of the stirrups.

- Put your foot here. Then you grab the saddle and pull yourself up. No no not that foot.

He stopped her as she put her right foot in the stirrup and got ready to pull herself up on the horse's back.

- The other one. Otherwise you end up riding backwards.

She nodded and put her left foot in the stirrup before lifting herself onto the saddle. Chiro remained calm as she sat down. Meanwhile, Kori had realized that the big cat was no threat and calmed down. Lace sat up in the saddle and patted Kori on the neck.

- Thanks for all the help Reppi. Then it's time for us to leave Kit.

They urged the horses forward and Reppi stood looking after them as they left the city.

- Unusual girl. Handled the horse like a lamb and the beast like a domestic cat. Guess there are still things to see in this life,

He was still mumbling as he walked back into the stable