The warm morning sunrays casted evenly over the dead dried garden of the Thembelo palace. The dry dusty wind blew from the rocky mountains, having some particles settle on petals of the only surviving purple flower that bloomed at the far corner of the garden.
Lucien stood by the largest leafless tree in the garden, not too far from the horse's stable. He rested his shoulder against it, watching the horse and rider at the centre of the garden.
In a small circle, his second largest horse; Dolor, galloped—With Athalia directing it at the particular radius.
Lucien continued to study his student keenly. She whipped the bridle harder, increasing the horse's speed.
"Wider!" He ordered.
Athalia pulled the bridle sharply, causing the mammal to widen its radius while maintaining its speed and
