Horse Charmer

by Angelia Almos

  "Like what?"

  "He didn't say, because you arrived," she said. What can I do, Kali?

  A Horse Charmer enchants a horse to do her bidding.

  Cassia almost rolled her eyes at the non-answer. She was starting to get used to the mare's cryptic remarks. Luki smiled at her and she was struck with wanting to know what he had meant back at the barn when he'd touched her the way he had, but she was afraid to ask him now.

  "We should return," Luki said.

  She grimaced, but nodded. She looked back at Kali who raised her head from grazing.

  All you need to do is call if you need my assistance.

  She turned to follow Luki.

  He was looking at Kali and then looked back at her. "You just spoke with her."

  A blush spread across her cheeks. "Yes."

  "What did you say?"

  "Well, I didn't really say anything. She always knows what I'm thinking. Especially," she hesitated, "especially if I'm uncertain about something."

  "So, you didn't speak with her?" he asked his confusion clear on his face.

  "No, yes, she spoke to me."

  "She speaks?"

  "To me."

  Luki stared at Kali for a moment and shrugged. "We'll talk more of this later, after dinner with Alrik. You'll need your full mental faculties to explain your grand exit to him."

  She held back the urge to smack him on the back of his head as he grabbed her arm and tugged her through the trees.

  ****

  The small herd of horses next to the Talent encampment behind Julyan's lodge ate quietly. Cassia noticed them as she would notice any horse in her vicinity; with her mind, not her eyes. It was too dark to make out anything but their shapes in the moonlit meadow. She had no real interest in commanding the herd to perform for Julyan and was more focused on her own inner turmoil.

  She couldn't stop thinking about the uneventful dinner she had just left and the fact that Alrik and Luki were alone while she was out here with Julyan. She would have rather remained with Luki while he spoke with Alrik, even if Luki wouldn't appreciate her presence.

  What worried her most was how easily Alrik had taken the news of her real identity. He'd been surprised, of course, but what caused her concern was that he'd appeared to also be relieved by the information. She couldn't figure out why her being the Princess of Karah would be a relief to him and she had a vague idea she probably wouldn't like the answer if she was able to work it out.

  "You're not even attempting to do what I asked." Julyan interrupted her contemplation. "Command them to leave the corral and return as a group."

  "I don't know how to do that," Cassia said at last.

  "Focus on what you want them to do and send the message to them."

  "And how am I supposed to send it to them?"

  "Think about how you converse with the Old One. It's the same principle, only larger."

  She glared at him in frustration. His explanation didn't help her to understand his request any more than how he'd explained it a few minutes ago. Command the entire herd to leap from their rope-strung pen, gallop around the tents, and jump back in.

  Cassia sighed and pursed her lips as she allowed herself to truly focus on the request and consider how it might be done. She closed her eyes and centered herself as she pushed her awareness down the short hill and across the open space to where the pen had been erected. Slowly she could feel the horses within the pen and their content as they filled their bellies.

  She formed the thought of what Julyan wanted the herd to do until the command was a concrete object inside her mind. Once it was solid, she pushed it down the stream of her awareness directly to the horses below. As one, they lifted their heads and looked up at her. Cassia opened her eyes. All she could make out was their shapes with her eyes, but she could see their attention in her mind's eye.

  Go!

  As if one animal, the small herd ran and leaped over the rope fence. The encampment burst into noise as the shouts of the Talents rang out in surprise. The horses raced around the tents, leaped back into their pen and spun to face her.

  Thank you.

  The connection with the herd dropped and slowly one by one the horses lowered their heads and resumed their meal. The Talents below continued to talk excitedly as they tried to figure out which of them had caused the commotion.

  "Well done," Julyan said his voice full of satisfaction. "It's as I thought. You're truly gifted."

  Since she didn't understand what a Horse Charmer was supposed to do exactly, she wasn't sure what the difference between gifted and truly gifted was.

  "Are we done?" She wanted to get back to Luki as soon as possible.

  He frowned at her, but nodded and led the way back up the trail. "You must stay and train if you're to master your gift."

  Cassia grunted noncommittally as they reached the lodge and walked around to the front. Luki sat next to Dall on the fence of the small pen, a lantern on the ground below him. At the sight of him, she hurried across the yard to where he sat. He slid down his eyes searching her face.

  "Are you all right?" Luki shot a frown to Julyan. "You were gone a long time."

  Julyan nodded in acknowledgement, but didn't stop on his way into the lodge.

  "Doing a little training." Her thoughts drifted to Luki's horse in the corral. Dall didn't like her anymore. Maybe she could reassure him. "Would you mind if I spoke with Dall?"

  Luki blinked in surprise, looking from his horse to her and back. "I don't mind."

  She slipped between the rails and walked a little closer, careful to keep a respectful distance from him.

  Dall, I want to thank you for your assistance.

  Dall lifted his head and his ears pricked forward with interest.

  I also want to assure you I won't hurt Luki.

  Doubt furled inside her. It took her only a moment to recognize it wasn't her feelings, but Dall's. Bolstered, she pressed on.

  I know you doubt me, but please understand I would never choose to hurt him.

  Several images and emotions flashed through her quickly. She had to concentrate to follow what Dall told her. She could do this. He was showing her how Luki felt in different moments that had to do with her.

  Luki's worry as they rode in circles through the Vesperan woods following Kali's tracks with a group of soldiers. Anxiety racing through Luki's body as he saddled Dall and rode away from the border village without her. The nearly crippling fear as he pushed Dall's endurance up the trail to Julyan's.

  Dall lifted his head and curled his nose as he ended the images.

  Yes, he was worried and afraid for me. But he found me and I am safe so he no longer has to worry. She waited for his response.

  Dall snorted and flashed the low grade concern Luki smelled of whenever Cassia was near.

  Humans always worry about those they care for even if they are right in front of them. I worry for Luki as he worries for me.

  Dall was silent a moment as if considering what she said. He then stepped up and placed his muzzle in her hand. His reluctant acceptance flowed through her along with a warning she could see in his eyes.

  Thank you, Dall. Your acceptance means more than you know.

  Elated, Cassia turned back to Luki. He leaned on the fence watching them with an uneasy expression on his face.

  "It worked. He understood me."

  "I thought that was what you did."

  "With Kali, yes." How could she explain this to him? "But I've never actively spoken with other horses. Understand their intent and help them understand mine, yes, but to speak with them, one on one? That's a new one."

  "What did he say?"

  She didn't want to divulge too much of their conversation and why she had wanted to speak with him.

  "He doesn't talk. It's kind of like understanding, but with more clarity. He understood what I said and I understood what he said by the feelings and images he sent me."

  "I have no idea what you're talking about."
>
  "That's okay." She slid back through the rails so she stood next to him. "I'm still bumbling through it myself."

  "What did Julyan ask you to do?"

  "Command a herd," she said, but she focused on the conversation she'd had with Dall and how clear it had been. It was different from speaking with Kali, but just as understandable.

  "What did you command them to do?"

  "To jump out of their corral and run through the Talent encampment."

  "Did they do as you asked?"

  "Yes." Then it hit her. If she could speak with Dall, she could speak with any horse, her father's horse, Rae. "I know what to do."

  "About what?" Luki asked, wariness creeping back into his voice.

  She looked around to make sure no one was close enough to overhear her. Kali!

  I'm coming.

  Cassia ducked back into the corral and pulled Luki in behind her. Though the yard appeared to be empty because of the late hour she knew Talents were lurking about. She led him next to Dall and sought refuge behind him.

  Kali's hooves announced her arrival just before she launched herself into the small pen. She barely managed not to knock into Dall as she slid to a stop. Understanding immediately that Cassia wanted privacy, Kali and Dall formed the same cocoon as before.

  "I know how to find out who killed my father," Cassia said.

  "I'm afraid to ask," he said, his own voice matching her low tone as he leaned his back against Dall's shoulder.

  "His horse."

  He shrugged and she held back her frustration that he didn't immediately grasp what she was saying.

  "My father's horse would have seen what happened."

  "Or he might not have," he cautioned.

  "My father dismounted his horse just before he went into the alley." She tried to explain it so Luki would grasp the big picture. "He said he left Westleigh with the horses in the mouth of the alley. Rae, my father's horse, was very attached to him. Rae would have watched him walk away. My father was attacked before he reached the pub. Don't you see? Rae would have seen the attacker."

  "And if he did?" He glanced at his own horse as comprehension dawned. "You want to question him."

  "Yes, he is a witness," she said, excited that he finally understood. "No more guesses, half truths, and conjecture. We'll know exactly who murdered my father."

  "Are you sure he can tell you?"

  "I just spoke with Dall."

  "Yes, but --" he said, the question in his voice making it clear he didn't really believe.

  She pushed his doubt aside and tried to think. "Is Rae still in Vespera or back in Karah?" He shrugged. "You are the Karahan Horse Wrangler. You know every horse the castle houses. Was he there when we left for Vespera?"

  "Several of the King's Guards remained behind in Vespera to hunt for the killer. The wagon brought," he hesitated, "Robet back. They wouldn't have used his saddle horse to bring him home."

  "So he's still in Vespera."

  "I'm not sure." Luki cautioned. "But, yes, I believe I saw your father's steed in a place of honor in the Vesperan barn."

  "We go back to Vespera."

  "Princess." He stepped up to her. "What of receiving the guidance of the Karahan advisors? The entire reason you left Vespera in the first place."

  She shut back the frustration and the twin forces pulling her. He was right. The urge to go to Vespera was quickly overpowering her desire to receive help. But she would need help once she learned what Rae had seen. She spun around under Luki's watchful gaze and picked a leaf from Kali's mane.

  No advice?

  It is for you to decide what the best course of action will be.

  That's not much help.

  Kali pondered her. I'm sorry I'm not more assistance.

  Cassia was instantly contrite and hugged the mare. I'm the one who is sorry. You are more help than I could have asked for.

  You have additional help surrounding you.

  I know. One is currently glowering at my back.

  He only wishes to protect you.

  I need to know. How can any decision be made without knowing?

  Then you have your answer.

  Steeling herself, she turned back around to face Luki. "I wish to go to Vespera."

  He was prepared for her answer and nodded. "By your command."

  She narrowed her eyes. "Don't do that."

  "Princess," Luki said with a short laugh. "When you command something it is what it is. It wasn't a request. Are you saying I shouldn't follow your commands?"

  Cassia resisted the urge to kick his shin. "Then you wouldn't do what I want."

  He grinned, the first real smile he'd given her since Alrik had arrived. "You find yourself in a quandary."

  "Know-it-all," she whispered under her breath. "How quickly can we be off?"

  He dropped his grin. "We're not riding that trail in the middle of the night."

  "We've wasted enough time," Cassia said, the urgency gripping her again.

  "That may be, but your safety is my primary concern. It's already dark."

  She hated to admit that he was right especially when he was right, but she nodded slowly. "First light."

  "First light." His slow smile came back. "Better go tell your host you won't be staying any longer."

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Thankfully, Julyan hadn't been difficult when Cassia had informed him they would be leaving at first light. He had smiled and said he would see her soon and she knew he wasn't referring to the next morning.

  Cassia and Luki hit the trail as the graying light had begun to brighten. The only damper on her mood at finally moving again was the addition of Alrik. She'd been so excited and filled with urgency to head out she'd forgotten about Luki's conversation with Alrik while she'd been training. Now she had nothing to do but think about it as they started the long ride down the mountain. She couldn't even ask Luki about what the two men had spoke about, because Alrik rode ahead of them leading the way.

  The rest of the ride down the mountain was uneventful and didn't pass nearly as quickly as the ride up. Going at a slower speed did mean the horses didn't have to rest as much as they would have if they were racing uphill. After a couple of hours, as the sun started to rise to midday, the corner of one of Alrik's fences finally came into view.

  As one, the horses broke into a trot and rounded the corner to head into the yard of Alrik's homestead. Pakelika met them at the gate and a look of surprise crossed his face as he greeted his father.

  "You're back early," Alrik said with a frown.

  "I rode out early," Pakelika said. "Met the farmer at the main road and he said the mare was just what he was looking for and paid in full."

  Alrik nodded in satisfaction. "Princess Cassia of Karah and Luki are going to water their horses and be on their way."

  Cassia almost laughed at his snippy tone and would have if the urgency to get moving had dulled at all. Pakelika glanced past them first before focusing on her as he realized who his father was referring to. He continued to stare at her as they rode across the yard over to the barn.

  Both Luki and Cassia dismounted and Pakelika finally seemed to get his courage up to approach them.

  "Your Highness?"

  "Yes," she answered.

  "Are you meeting up with the Karahan Caravan?" Pakelika asked.

  Cassia focused her attention on him. "What caravan?"

  "The one heading to Vespera this morning, I was waiting on the main road for the farmer and the lead rider stopped and asked me of any news."

  "They were going to Vespera? Why did you think it was the Karahan Caravan?"

  "The flags were flying on each carriage. The rider said they were traveling with haste to get the advisors to Castle Vespera as quickly as possible. He wanted to make sure the roads were clear and to see if there were any Vesperan squads in the area."

  "Do you want to catch them?" Luki asked, leaving the decision up to her.

  "You'll have to ride fast and hard to
catch up with them before they reach the Vesperan castle," Pakelika said. "They have a major head start, but they're pulling wagons. They'll have to stop and rest, and they'll have to stick to the road."

  Can you catch them, Kali?

  Kali snorted in derision. No wagon team can run faster than I.

  She smiled slightly and turned to Luki. He walked his horse to the water trough as he double-checked the knots on their supplies. Alrik spoke quietly with Marelda on his porch and she peeked in Cassia's direction several times. She could guess what he was telling her so she avoided making eye contact as she was in no mood to exchange pleasantries or make explanations. Thankfully, Fayline and Gabrial weren't about. If they were lucky Dall and Kali would be watered before the girls returned from their chores.

  "Do you need a saddle?" Luki gestured to Kali.

  Kali tossed her head, showing even more the lack of bridle and saddle. All the gear was on Luki's horse except for what Cassia carried on her back.

  She was about to shake her head like Kali, but then considered Dall. Dall shouldn't carry the entire load.

  Very well. Kali walked over to the barn.

  "Pakelika," Luki said. "Do you have something light we can borrow?"

  "It would be an honor." Pakelika shot a look at Cassia and then turned back to Luki. "Under one condition."

  Luki raised an eyebrow in amusement.

  "That I ride with you. I know a shortcut that will allow you to reach Vespera much sooner than using the main road."

  Cassia shrugged when Luki glanced at her in question. He knew Pakelika better than her and left the decision up to him.

  "If you can't keep up…" Luki said pointedly to Pakelika.

  "Understood." Pakelika bolted to the barn and came back out holding one arm of full tack and in the other a light riding saddle. Kali moved next to him and he tossed it on gently and tightened the girth.

  Cassia helped Luki untie some of the bags from Dall, tethering them to her saddle. Pakelika had pulled a swift and rough looking horse from the corral and had the gelding tacked up and ready to go by the time Luki and Cassia's load was evenly distributed between Kali and Dall.

  "Pakelika!" Alrik called when he saw his son mounting. "Where do you think you're going?"