Just a plot bunny that was yapping to be let out of the cage. It's set when Gilan is still in the Battleschool, about a year before he is apprenticed to Halt, so Gilan is about thirteen. It was originally going to be a one shot, but it just wasn't flowing. The chapters are now shorter, but it's flowing a bit better, which is what I would prefer.

Gilan carefully padded down the corridor. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, the golden rays beginning to stream through the castle windows. The tall boy was dressed in a simple tunic and breeches, and a pair soft, lace up leather boots. He also had a dark blue cloak fastened around his shoulders - the morning, though sunny, still had a certain chill to it.

Exiting the large gray castle, Gilan picked up a jog to the stables. Taking in a deep breath of the crisp morning air, Gilan smiled to himself. It was a Saturday, and he had the whole day to himself, much to his satisfaction. The previous week had been a particularly long one. Entering the doorway, the boy called cheerfully, "Hello, Barric!"

The stableman turned as his name was called. "Gilan!" Barric replied with a grin. "What brings you this morning?" Barric was fond of Sir David's son. The boy was cheerful, polite, and an excellent rider. As he was also in charge of the horses well-being, Barric approved of the boy's light seat and gentle hands. Not to mention that Gilan, whenever he could escape the clutches of his rigorous Battleschool, was more then willing to help with stable chores.

"It's Saturday!" Gilan almost sang. "No long, boring classes!"

Barric gave a crooked smile, then gestured down the barn aisle. "I assume you'll be going for a ride, then?"

Gilan nodded enthusiastically. "If you have a horse for me."

"We'll always have a horse for you." Barric assured him. The man thought a moment, then continued, "Bentley could use a gallop."

Gilan smiled and nodded again. The named horse was one of his favorites. Bentley was a flashy animal, with a wide blaze covering his face and stockings on all four legs, sharply contrasting against his chestnut body. He was fast and high spirited, and leaner then the average battlehorse; however, he was also young and slightly skittish. Gilan quickly groomed and saddled, then led the horse from his stall. Before he mounted, however, Barric took hold of the reins and spoke to him.

"Be careful. There's been a mountain lion spotted in the area. Mind yourself in the trees." The stableman's forehead was creased in concern. Gilan gave a reassuring smile.

"I will. Don't worry yourself, Barric."

Barric nodded, though his expression was still troubled. Gilan gave the stable master another quick look of reassurance before mounting. Turning the big chestnut out of the courtyard, he picked up an easy trot towards the woods. Barric raised a hand in farewell, then muttered under his breath, "Oh, I'll worry myself, alright." Barric watched the boy and horse disappear from view before turning back to the stable.

Gilan sighed contently as he moved with Bentley's trot. It was nice to be riding a horse for the pure joy of it, rather then practicing cavalry tactics. The tall boy urged Bentley into a faster gait. The horse tossed his head excitedly before stretching his long white legs into a ground covering gallop. Gilan stood in the stirrups, grabbed the thick mane, and laughed merrily. "Good boy!" Gilan called out breathlessly, barely audible above the wind.

Bentley responded with a burst of speed, straining at the bit. His ears perked, his eyes bright, the horse flew over the ground, his legs seeming to barely touch the ground. Gilan allowed the horse to run for several minutes, then began applying pressure on the bit, asking for a slower pace. Bentley threw his head and danced sideways before settling into an energetic trot. "Good boy," Gilan murmured, stroking the glossy, sweated neck. Gilan had been trained too well to allow a horse to run for too long, no matter how much the horse seemed to want it.

The boy coaxed the prancing gelding to a walk. "Let's see if we can't find that stream," a heavily breathing Gilan told the heavily breathing horse. "You've earned it."

Suddenly, Bentley stopped in his tracks. Jerking his head high, his ears perked and swiveling, the horse flared his nostrils. The large chestnut body trembled. Gilan glanced nervously around him, winding his fingers through Bentley's mane as he searched for whatever had caused his horse to spook. He had learned from a young age to trust his mount's instincts. Their senses were much more finely tuned then his own. "Bentley. Steady. Whoa!" Gilan called as the horse nervously jolted to the side. "It's alrig-"

Before he had finished the word, a large impact knocked Gilan from the saddle like a rag doll.

"Whoa! Whoa, boy!"

Barric glanced up from his work as he heard the shouts of the sentries and the clatter of horse's hooves on the bricks. Moving briskly to the stable door, the man's brow furrowed as he caught sight of a familiar horse with the Caraway castle insignia on the saddle blanket. The lathered chestnut animal galloped into the stable yard, skidding on the stones. "Bentley?" Barric said, a sinking feeling in his stomach as he took in the empty saddle and broken reins. Picking up a dragging rein, the brunette stable master, his voice tight with alarm, called to a nearby sentry.

"Rowan? Please go inform Sir David that his son's horse has come back riderless."

Uh oh, Gilan. Next time you should listen to Barric.

Sorry for the lack of stories/updates. School is finishing up, and my horse show season starting, which means more time is needed at the barn. Bear with me! :)

-TrustTheCloak