AFTER KASSIE'S CLEVER DEMONSTRATION OF how not to fall on your ass, my technique improved dramatically. That's not to say the sudden dismounts stopped, but the eating dirt part did. Now with a tiny burst of energy, I executed somersaults with ease and landed feet first each time. After another round of my happy dance at a successful landing, Belsesus burst my bubble. 'Won't that alert Jenviet?'
I paused mid-dance. 'What?'
That sparked an intense conversation. Sian and Chaieth rode off to check with Elena. While we waited Belsesus took long easy runs, back and forth, challenging my slowly improving balance. It took fierce concentration as I focused on his muscles beneath my thighs, mind tense for the slightest change. The sound of approaching hooves broke my focus.
Chaieth and Sian had r
