by Kate Hill
“I can see how he can afford to offer five thousand,” Zach said, gazing at the enormous chateau.
“Even though it’s not likely he’ll ever have to pay it.” Frederick glanced at Zach. “At least that’s what I used to think.”
“Have you ever seen the column?”
Frederick nodded. “Tried to move it about seven years ago. I think I pulled every muscle in my body.”
“How heavy is it?”
“Heavier than anything you’ve pulled in a competition, and I’ve followed your career. Still, I don’t think you’ve ever reached your maximum, have you? I won’t include that time you got hit with the slingshot. If you hadn’t nearly bled to death, you probably could have pulled that sledge for another twenty miles.”
Zach cast him a look from the corner of his eye. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I admit I wasn’t at my best by the end of that contest.”
“And I will not appreciate a repeat of such stupidity today!” Sophia slapped his man-shoulder. “If you can’t pull it, then you can’t pull it, Zach.”
“Love, if I can’t pull it, it ain’t going to move.”
The three stopped conversing when the chateau’s double doors opened and a bulky, regal-looking Horseman stepped outside. His curly gray hair hung past his shoulders. His face, marked with minimal lines about his eyes and across his forehead, was half covered with a trimmed gray beard. In spite of his age, his body carried only a bit of extra weight over thick muscles. His sturdy equine form was a striking blood bay. His hooves were polished black.
Zach and Frederick paused in front of his steady blue gaze. Sophia slipped from Zach’s back and curtsied as the two Horsemen bowed.
“Lord Edmond?” Zach said.
“Zach? I received your message last evening.” Lord Edmond stepped outside and circled Zach, his eyes raking the young Horseman’s sizeable, though perfect, build. “So you’d like to try moving my column?”
“Yes.”
Lord Edmond glanced at Frederick. “Have you come to try as well?’
Frederick smiled. “No, your Lordship. I failed in that task years ago.”
Lord Edmond drew a deep breath and released it, stroking his beard. “So many have tried over the years I sometimes forget who’s been here. Well, we should begin immediately.”
Lord Edmond clapped his hands twice and two servants, a slender Horseman and a young female maid, stepped outside. Both stared at Zach. Sophia didn’t miss the appreciation in the maid’s eyes, though the woman kept her silence. As if feeling Sophia’s stare, she glanced away from Zach and offered Sophia a pleasant smile.
“My witnesses,” Lord Edmond explained. “All of you, please follow me.”
The Lord of Eagle Crest walked with slow, dignified steps down the length of the chateau.
It took them several moments to reach the back of the enormous building. Rosebushes hugged the side of the chateau. Dozens of stone and marble statues stood in the meadow beyond. There were Horsemen with spread wings, humans making love, and a multitude of animals and mythical creatures.
“It’s beautiful,” Sophia murmured.
“My grandfather began the collection,” Lord Edmond said. “I’ve continued it. Look there.”
He pointed to a circle of marble Highlanders, portrayed forever in all the muscular beauty of their youth.
“Those are some of the greatest pullers ever known through history.”
Zach approached, Sophia at his side. He walked slowly among the marble Highlanders, lifting his hand and placing it on the flanks of one with arched eyebrows and a long, pointed nose. A plaid draped over one of its massive shoulders.
Suddenly she noticed something in Zach’s eyes she’d never seen before. He swallowed hard.
“That’s supposed to be Morgan, the—”
“Father of all Highlanders,” Zach murmured. “My father told me about him when I was a boy. He said his blood runs through our veins and when a great Highlander pulls, it’s with Morgan’s heart.”
Lord Edmond nodded, staring at the statue with reverence. “I’ve come to believe the only Horseman able to meet the challenge I’ve set would be Morgan himself, and he was but a legend.”
The mention of the challenge seemed to remind Zach of the real reason they were here.
“Where is it?” Zach asked.
They walked around a long stone wall to another section of the chateau. Three enormous marble pillars, the tops carved into the shape of a true-horse’s head, stood on both sides of a moss-covered door. A fourth pillar lay, also covered with moss and stained with dirt, in front of the door. Sophia nearly gasped aloud at the size of it. She could only imagine the weight of the solid black marble. Great chains had been fastened to the pillar, secured by many thick rings screwed into the sides of it.
She, Frederick, Lord Edmond and the servants gazed at Zach, looking for some sign that he knew the task was impossible. Nothing except keen interest and determination shone in his eyes. He approached the pillar and ran his hands over it. The muscles in his man-torso bulged as he pushed at it once.
Slipping the harness off his back, he checked the buckles and glanced at Lord Edmond. “Where would you like it?”
Lord Edmond’s lips parted a bit in shock before he broke into laughter. He glanced at Sophia. “Self-assured, isn’t he?”
“You wouldn’t believe the half of it, my lord,” she said.
“If you can just clear the doorway, that will be sufficient.” Lord Edmond’s smile faded when he met Zach’s serious expression.
Nodding, Zach donned his harness and fastened himself to the chains.
Sophia, Lord Edmond and the others stepped back, giving him room to complete his task, if he could.
Sophia folded her arms beneath her breasts and hugged herself tightly, her nerves frayed. She couldn’t imagine Zach or any Highlander moving the pillar by himself. The look in his eyes told her he was resigned. She only hoped he had the intelligence to stop before doing himself serious damage.
As if reading her thoughts, Lord Edmond said, “You have five attempts.”
“Five?” Zach’s brow furrowed.
“After that you risk doing yourself injury for an impossible task. I know, because I was once a puller myself.” He glanced at Sophia “And your wife is worried, boy. Why make her watch you destroy yourself for a foolhardy task? If you can’t move it within five pulls, most likely you never will.”
“I won’t need any more than three,” he stated.
Everyone fell silent and Zach adjusted his strap, planting his shod hooves firmly in the grass. He drew a deep breath then released it.
Seconds later he leaned into the strap. Sophia’s jaw clenched as his man-torso and equine chest pressed hard against the harness. His muscles bulged and his brow furrowed. When he fell back, the pillar hadn’t moved and his breath came in short pants.
Sophia’s stomach twisted. She’d never seen him fail to move something on the first try. In spite of the pillar’s size, some part of her had believed he’d pull it. Perhaps, like most people who knew Zach, she expected the impossible from him.
On the second try, Zach fared no better. As he leaned into the harness, his ears pinned tightly to his head, sweat broke out on his forehead and chest. His equine coat darkened in the sunlight. The pillar still didn’t move. He released the tension on his harness, panting hard.
Sophia glanced at the others. Their eyes were fixed on Zach. Frederick shook his head slightly, as if knowing the futility of the other Highlander’s attempts.
Zach had scarcely caught his breath when he thrust his weight into the harness again. Sweat drenched his body, lathering on his equine coat. His almost painful breaths echoed in the otherwise silent field. His brow furrowed and his eyes closed. Veins bulged beneath his skin and every tendon stood out in his neck. A pained sound broke from his throat.
“I can’t,” Sophia murmured, turning her back, unable to watch. She wondered if a Highlander could die within five pulls,
if he was too stupid to admit his own limits.
Suddenly a ripple ran through the ground.
The maid touched Sophia’s arm. “Look!”
She spun, staring along with the others as the pillar slid from its place by the door. Zach’s hooves dug into the ground. His huge muscles stood out hard beneath his frothy equine coat and glistening human skin. Pride and disbelief washed over Sophia and she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips.
Frederick stepped in front of him as the pillar cleared the door and said, “That’s far enough.”
Zach stopped, his breathing harsh as he rested a moment, his hands braced against his equine chest.
“By the Gods,” Lord Edmond murmured, stepping into the rut where the pillar had rested for over forty years.
Sophia approached Zach, placing a hand to his cheek. “You’re going to shorten my life from worry, you know.”
He kissed her, cupping her face in his hand, before unhitching himself from the pillar.
“I don’t believe it.” Lord Edmond shook his head. His servants appeared just as stunned.
Frederick wore a broad smile. “I’m not surprised.”
Lord Edmond placed a weathered hand on the horse head-shaped end of the pillar. “I never really thought anyone could move it.”
“Does that mean you never thought you’d have to pay?” Zach said, an amused smile touching his lips.
“The money is yours, boy. You earned it.” Lord Edmond stepped close to Zach and offered his hand. “Would you, your lady and your friend stay for supper?”
Zach exchanged looks with Sophia who said, “We’d be honored, my lord.”
“The honor is mine.” Lord Edmond’s gaze still roamed over Zach. “If any Highlander carries Morgan’s blood, it’s you.”
Zach bowed his head. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Cool off and join me inside. My servants will guide you to the dining area.”
As Lord Edmond left, Frederick offered to take Zach’s harness for him while he went for a walk and a swim in the river running through the meadow.
Hand-in-hand, Zach and Sophia walked over the lush grass.
“You never speak much about your family,” she said. “I was surprised when you mentioned your father earlier.”
“I was very young when slavers killed my parents and took me to the mines, but the memories I have are good ones. My parents were gentle people. They always taught me to respect others as well as myself. I think I tried to forget them in the mines because I thought they’d be ashamed of me. When I killed during the rebellion, I imagined their shame, if they could see me from the netherworld.”
She squeezed his hand and gazed into his eyes. “Zach, they loved you. I know they wouldn’t have wanted you to suffer at the hands of slavers. Wherever they are, if they can see you, I’m sure they’re glad for the life you’ve made for yourself and just as proud of you as I am.”
He smiled, his eyes glistening, and tugged her into his arms. “I love you so much, Sophia.”
“I love you, too, Zach.”
Chapter Nine
Morgan’s Heart
The year passed more quickly than Sophia imagined. At the end of autumn, Zach announced his last competition would be in Hornview itself, at the same fair in which his career had begun. Knowing it would be their final chance to challenge an undefeated champion, pullers flew in from all parts of the world. Hornview and the surrounding villages were filled with visitors accompanying their favorite Highlanders.
Sophia stood with Zach as he readied his harness. It was a brisk autumn day, his favorite type of weather for pulling.
“I can’t believe how many people are here.” She gazed at the crowd and at the largest lineup of competitors she’d ever seen in pulling contest. Forty-five Highlanders waited by their sledges. She knew with so many involved, the contest was sure to be long and grueling; still, Zach was more than up to it. More fit than ever, his coat shone like velvet, the muscles of his beast-body and man-torso lean, hard, and rippling in the sunlight.
“Many of them were here for the race,” Zach said.
“Most of them are here for you.”
He looked a bit sheepish, color creeping into his cheekbones.
She rested a hand on his equine back. “You’re going to miss the contests, aren’t you?”
“A little, but I’m more than ready for us to have a quiet life. I’m looking forward to farming this year and not having to fly all over the place for fairs.”
“So am I.” She smiled at him, standing on tiptoe as he bent to accept her usual kiss for luck. “Be careful.”
“I will.”
“And win,” she added, for the first time since he’d begun his career.
Zach’s eyes brightened and he smiled. “I will.”
Though it wouldn’t be easy, she didn’t doubt he would. Since he’d started competing, Zach had entered over one hundred thirty contests and had never lost. Every Highlander present knew his record and sought to beat him in this final test of strength and heart.
Sophia exchanged a final loving look with Zach before joining her parents, Terra, Inez, Moor and Susana in the crowd.
“He looks good,” Terra said. “How does he feel?”
“Excellent,” Sophia replied, her eyes fixed on Zach.
“I still can’t believe he’s not going to compete any longer,” Moor said. “He’s so young and has many good years left.”
“I think he’s smart,” Inez said. “Look at the reputation he’s leaving behind.”
“And he won’t be broken down,” Terra said.
Inez cast her husband a knowing look. “Perhaps you should follow his example and quit the races.”
“While I’m still winning?” grunted Terra. “Maybe next year.”
“That’s what you said last year.” Inez nudged him with her elbow then fell silent as Hornview’s Chieftain announced the competitors.
Finally, the contest began. As Sophia predicted, it was long due to the number of competitors. The length wore down many, and in the end, Zach was the last to pull his final load to the finish.
“I’m not surprised to announce Zach is the winner.” The Chieftain stood beside Zach, after silencing the cheering crowd. He placed a gnarled hand on the champion’s sweat-beaded shoulder. “However, I am just as surprised as many of you that this was his final competition.”
Cheers and boos mingled in the crowd. It seemed no one wanted to see the magnificent puller leave the fair circle.
“But he’s given us almost two years of entertainment and good betting,” the Chieftain continued with a smile. He tilted his head up to meet Zach’s gaze. “Do you have a few parting words for us?”
“Only that I want to thank everyone involved in the fairs for giving me the chance to earn my living doing something I love and to thank my wife for putting up with the trouble that comes from being with a Highlander.”
“Good luck to you, Zach. And congratulations on another fine victory.”
“Thank you,” Zach said, waving to the shouting, cheering crowd as he left the field.
“How does it feel to have it all over?” Loretta asked as Zach approached and took Sophia’s hand.
“Strange,” he replied.
“You’ve done damn good work, boy.” Mel clapped Zach’s upper arm.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Zach, look!” Sophia pointed to Lord Edmond who strode through the crowd.
“That was an excellent contest,” said the elder Horseman.
Zach looked pleased. “I didn’t know you were coming, my lord.”
“I wouldn’t have missed your final public performance, and besides, I wanted to tell you about the latest addition to my collection of marble Highlanders.”
“What is it?”
“You, my boy.”
Zach’s lips parted and a blush stained his face. “Me?”
Sophia grinned. “May we see it, my lord?”
“Of course. You’re both
welcome to visit anytime,” Lord Edmond stated. “I felt the collection wouldn’t be complete without you, Zach. You should, without doubt, be included among the greatest pullers in history. Your record has never been matched, and though there was no crowd, we know the weight of the pillar you pulled back at Eagle Crest.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Zach murmured.
“You don’t need to say anything.”
“Would you like to come back to our house for supper?” Sophia asked.
Lord Edmond shook his head. “I have some plans with a few old friends who also came for the fair, but thank you for the offer.” Lord Edmond turned to leave, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t be a stranger, lad. You or your lovely wife.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Sophia said.
“Well, well.” Moor grinned. “A statue of you among those of the greatest Highlanders.”
“It’s well deserved,” Terra stated.
Zach glanced at his fingers entwined with Sophia’s before meeting her gaze. “I’m going to the lake. Care to come?”
“Of course.”
He stood by a fence while Sophia slipped onto his hot back, the harness draped in front of her. Her fingers gripped the slick flesh of his man-shoulders as he plodded through the crowd. Several people waved to him and he returned the gesture before breaking into a gallop and ascending, his wings beating air as they headed for home.
After returning his tack to their barn, Zach and Sophia flew to a lake several miles from their house to avoid any possible fairgoers who might follow. It wasn’t that they minded, but at the moment they wanted privacy.
At the lake, Zach waited for Sophia to undress then waded in with her on his back. Sophia hugged his man-torso, kissing his shoulder. His hands covered hers, pressing them to his chest so his heart thudded against her palms. Water splashed their bodies, cooling them.
“I can hardly wait to start our farm,” she said.
“Neither can I. It’ll be nice not to have to travel so often. That’s the one thing I really disliked about the contests.”
“And just think. This winter it will be just the two of us all alone to work on conceiving that baby who’s so good at eluding us.”