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Suddenly, Benyst appeared, and Cloud skidded to a halt before him. The horse was breathing hard, spit foamed around his mouth, and his flank was wet with sweat. Cloud neighed loudly, throwing his head back and tossing his mane. I struggled to hold onto the reins, to stay on Cloud’s back, as the beast neighed and stomped in the courtyard.
Benyst was solid and calm. He placed one massive hand on the beast’s snout, and Cloud was instantly calmed. Benyst patted the horse's neck as he came around to me. He pried the reins from my fingers and then, one arm around my waist, lifted me gently from the saddle and placed me on the ground.
"Good job, Cloud. Good job, Phoenix,” Benyst smiled softly, then led Cloud back towards the stables.
"Well done, Phoenix, well done indeed!"
Elizabeth
